We’re sure that pretty much all of us, in one way or another, have had some experience of mental health issues such as depression, whether that be first hand or through someone close to us.
For some, unfortunately, they have the even more traumatic issue of suicide and its aftermath to cope with.
Demons
A short film on the issue of depression and suicide was released this week by Island film maker, Tippers (aka Tim Pritchard).
Tippers’ film, Demons, follows the story of Islander Jody Ruth, a man in his 30s struck suddenly by deep and dark depression.
In late 2012, Jody Ruth was stood on the edge of a cliff, looking to end his life. Luckily, he came back, but many others don’t. Jody found solace in writing, and wrote a hard-hitting blog called ‘Demons’ about what took him to the edge of the cliff, and what happened whilst he was there.
This film follows Jody a year on from this blog, in an attempt to understand what it takes to end up on a cliff edge, but more so, what it takes to come home safe.
Brutally honest
Jody bares all in the film. With brutal honesty, he talks about how he’s been affected by ‘the black dog’ (the term used by Winston Churchill to describe his depression) and how he managed to walk away from the edge of the cliff.
It seems unthinkable in 2014 there’s still a stigma attached to depression. Many sufferers feel unable to admit their feelings and go untreated. Sadly for some, the offer of help is just too late.
We believe this film helps to break down the barriers and open up the subject to further discussion.
See what you think …
You can read Jody’s blog pieces and why Tippers got involved and made the film over on the official Demons Website.
Putting it in to context
The latest Mental Health report for the Isle of Wight reveals that although the Island doesn’t have a particularly high level of people being treated for depression, the suicide rates are the highest compared to comparative authorities around the country.
Suicide mortality rates across the island have increased year on year since 2004 – 06 compared to the England rate which has slightly decreased.
As you can see from the graph below, suicide rates on the Island are shown as the highest compared to comparative authorities around the country,
Reaching out
If you’re affected by depression or have suicidal thoughts, the following services may be of help:
Mind
Samaritans.org Or call on 0845 7 90 90 90
getconnected
turn2me.org
You can read more about depression and suicide on the Isle of Wight in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment report, embedded below for your convenience.
