North Yorkshire health boss urge people to reach out if they're struggling with their mental health
The festive period can be very difficult for many
Anyone struggling with their mental health in North Yorkshire this festive season is being urged not to suffer in silence.
Government figures show Yorkshire and the Humber has higher than average suicide rates.
12 people in every 100,000 took their own lives in our region last year.
Ryan Nicholls is the NHS suicide prevent lead in North Yorkshire - he says there are ways we can bring those numbers down in 2024: "Making it everyone's business, let's not be scared of talking about suicide and let's not increase that stigma, let's reduce it, let's talk about it, let's get it out there, in terms of helping people not get to that stage in their life."
He adds progress is being made and people are being more open: "It's totally changed, I see it with my children in school and my friends and my family and speaking as a male, middle aged male, I speak to my friends a lot more about it than I did 10 or 15 years ago."
he also has this advice for anyone you know who might be struggling: "Be that listening ear, listening skills are a huge element, with social media and changes to society, maybe has been lost, maybe just checking in on somebody and having that back and forth and the more you discuss things, the more things will come up."
Help is available
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - [https://hubofhope.co.uk ](https://hubofhope.co.uk |newtab)
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk