Suicide prevention, occupational health, evidence synthesis and public engagement.
For a comedian, gig work is fairly literal. The audience sees the minutes on stage but built around that performance is hours of writing, travelling, agonising, chasing bookings and, at least for most non-superstar comedians, working out the cost of performing. Applause and laughter is amazing, but it remains surprisingly difficult to use at the... Continue Reading →
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.
I am Dr Simon H. Walker, a researcher at the University of Glasgow working across occupational health, suicide prevention, workplace mental health, and evidence synthesis. My work focuses on how workplaces, institutions, and communities can better recognise and respond to distress before crisis point. I am particularly interested in suicide prevention beyond traditional clinical settings,... Continue Reading →
Copywrite - Nickdelves.co.uk 16 years ago, I lost a friend/family member to suicide. Today is her birthday, and I wanted to honour her with some memories and a discussion of the work I now do - namely suicide research and prevention. I am not arrogant enough to think that I could have done anything, but... Continue Reading →
This week The Independent went with a headline declaring that AI chatbots are “pushing people towards mania, psychosis and death – and OpenAI doesn’t know how to stop it.” It’s dramatic, designed to shock. But it misses the point that while AI has tremendous potential to cause harm, correlation is not causation, nor is the... Continue Reading →
In late July, Nursing Times broke a story that made me go cold. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is under pressure after several nurses died by suicide during lengthy “fitness to practise” (FtP) investigations. This isn’t a minor procedural hiccup. It’s a system so sluggish and adversarial that it actively compounds distress. Nurses have... Continue Reading →
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.
By Dr Simon H. Walker “My inbox, basically.” Another “Thanks, but no thanks.” Promotion rejected. Funding application rejected. Job application rejected — again. I wish I could say I’m writing this purely as a researcher, analysing other people’s woes from a safe distance. Nope. I’m writing as someone knee-deep in rejection emails myself. At this... Continue Reading →
I was recently asked by a valued colleague if within the modern military historic understanding of malingering is still applicable: I argue yes, and that Social Media response turned into this article (again - oops) In 2003, Staff Sergeant Georg-Andreas Pogany, an interrogator with the U.S. Army’s Green Berets in Iraq, witnessed the gruesome aftermath... Continue Reading →
The New Year is often viewed as a time of joy and celebration, but for some individuals, it can highlight feelings of isolation and distress. While there is a common belief that suicides may rise during this period, research shows no significant increase in suicide rates on New Year’s Eve or Day. Instead, major holidays may even see a decrease in suicides. Emotional distress and loneliness can intensify post-holiday, but support networks and coping strategies are crucial. It’s vital to seek help from friends, family, or professionals, as struggles with mental health do not follow a specific timeline. Empathy and understanding are essential year-round.
