Occupational Health Research, Historical Study & Suicidology – Dr Simon H. Walker
Suicide, Military, Medical, and Sexuality History, Occupational Health Research, and Pedagogical Innovation
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 →
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 →
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.
Neurodiversity, Suicide, and Occupational Health in Scotland - SOM Conference Recently I delivered this talk as a guest of the Society of Occupational Medicine, the given talk included a number of personal anecdotes which are not included here. I’m Dr. Simon Harold Walker, Senior Research Lead at the Healthy Working Lives Group at the University... Continue Reading →
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 →
Thanks for listening to my talk, pleasure and honour to be in such esteemed company. Please get in touch to discuss and collaborate - Simon.Walker@Glasgow.ac.uk
Nurses in the UK and Global are facing a crisis in terms of mental health and Suicide. Although a day late, my Mental Health Day post discussing my research into Nursing Suicide and my own lived experience of suicide.
Occupational Health Research, Historical Study & Suicidology - Dr Simon H. Walker 