Suicide prevention, occupational health, evidence synthesis and public engagement.
We encourage people to ask for help, but what happens when they do? On World Suicide Prevention Day, I explore Scotland’s support pathways and propose research into who receives appropriate care, whether it helps, and what happens to those whose needs remain unmet. A referral is not the same as receiving care. Suicide prevention cannot end with the first conversation.
Over the last few months, I’ve sent out multiple carefully written, relevant op-eds to major publications I’ve previously worked with—on suicide prevention, AI, and Scottish heritage. Not a single response. This piece explores the emotional and professional impact of that silence. It reflects on gatekeeping, merit vs. luck, and how editorial ghosting can chip away at self-worth. I draw parallels to stand-up comedy—another space where access often depends more on contacts than quality. Despite the silence, I keep writing. This is a message to others still pitching into the void: I see you. You’re not alone. Keep going.
This post is a dual post - its a story of my day yesterday which turned into a horrible end of day and reduced me to a mental health wreck desperate for support, overwhelmed with grief, hurt, and humiliation. But more importantly (I feel at least) is the SOLVE resource I've developed as a result... Continue Reading →
Nurse suicide is a recognisable issue both within the UK and Worldwide. Nurses in Scotland, like their counterparts in other parts of the UK, are at a heightened risk of suicide compared to the general population. Studies across the UK show that nurses are often at a higher risk due to several factors, including emotional... Continue Reading →
I am currently at the 4th IGPP Suicide Prevention Event in London, and as usual while the presentations are fantastic, the real discoveries are made in the chats next to the coffee machine. This has encouraged me to recycle an older piece I wrote about the issues of practical engagement with suicide prevention. This is... Continue Reading →
Dr Simon Harold Walker 