03|01 She Saved My Life. Six Years Later, We Finally Talk About It | Suicide Prevention
In this deeply personal episode of Mental Reset, Ryan sits down with Verity, a close friend of almost 20 years and someone who played a pivotal role during the darkest period of his life. Six years ago, Ryan experienced a severe mental health crisis. His mental health had deteriorated to the point that he was experiencing symptoms of psychosis, intrusive thoughts and suicidal thoughts, eventually leading to him being detained under the Mental Health Act. Verity was one of the few people who recognised just how unwell Ryan had become. As both a close friend and a mental health practitioner, she noticed the subtle changes others couldn't see. She kept checking in. She persuaded Ryan to make a promise that if he ever felt he was at risk, he would call her. Eventually, that call came.“Verity, I need you to help me.” What followed was an intervention that save Ryan's life. Six years later, Ryan and Verity have never truly sat down together and talked through what happened...what Ryan was experiencing, what Verity could see from the outside, the decisions she had to make when his life was at risk, and the impact that moment has had on both of them. Until now. Together with James, they revisit that period honestly and openly, hearing parts of each other's experience for the first time. This is an emotional and deeply human conversation about friendship, intervention, mental illness, recovery and what can happen when somebody notices that something isn't right... and chooses not to look away. For Verity, sharing this side of the story meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. We are incredibly grateful to her for trusting us with it. Mental Reset exists because we believe one person's lived experience can become someone else's survival guide. We hope this conversation gives hope to somebody who can't currently see beyond the moment they're in — and gives somebody worried about another person the confidence to check in, keep asking and act when something doesn't feel right. If you know somebody who might need this conversation, please send it to them. --- **NEED SUPPORT?** If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Samaritans: Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 text support NHS 111: Call 111 or use NHS 111 online if you need urgent health or mental health advice Your GP: Contact your GP surgery for ongoing mental health support and advice 999: If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, or there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E You do not have to wait until things reach crisis point to ask for help.
