Neil Daniels formed Gridlock to address the crisis of young males killing themselves
My friends often tell me, in grave dark overtones, that we deal in death. I like to correct them: we deal in the prevention of death and I’d like to think we’re pretty successful at doing so.
Gridlock was formed about 10 years ago on the island of Mull after two local boys took their own lives. For a small island it was a crisis, leading to much soul searching but few answers were forthcoming. Mull is a fabulous island but to many it was clear what had happened: a traditional culture, lack of work, no support for those suffering mental ill health - it was a stifling culture for young men. But the pervasive attitude was just get on with it.
I became involved with the project because of my background as a psychiatric nurse. I worked in Carstairs before becoming working in the community I had become a social worker but Ewan, the founder, was an old friend and he wanted me to volunteer. The idea was we needed to make it known the support was there. It took time to build trust; initially family members would come to us but not those with the problems. But we soon learned about developing a support network. Once that was in place and word got round, we began to see more young men come to us on their own volition.
These days mental illness is more visual, more vocal and better communicated because people have been encouraged to speak about it and the stigma that used to surround it is diminishing. We’re on the cusp on some very positive e changes and progress is being made – and we’re part of that.
Sometimes intervention is very intense; you realise your support is saving someone’s life. And perhaps you’re the last person the intend speaking to. In those instances it’s all about remaining calm and making sure the individual isn’t left alone or isolated. Suicide happens in seconds but it is years in the making.
Mental illness is more visual, more vocal and better communicated
Rural areas suffer more than most. It is no coincidence suicide rates are higher in these areas where there is less work and fewer amenities. Men in these areas are suffering a crisis of confidence - modern life is at best difficult, at worst impossible and they’ve got little support. Although equality means more women are taking on traditional male roles, men still feel the need to be the breadwinner, the head of the family and it’s a huge pressure.
More men are discussing their problems and being encouraged to speak out about issues getting them down or affecting their lives. We run forums which foster understanding – trusted places where men can talk about anything and it works: getting men to discuss their problems is a lifeline and if we don’t get more doing suicide will become an epidemic in Scotland.
