I Swear

Taking suicide prevention awareness to another level.

This week I watched the incredible biographical drama film ‘I Swear’ which is based on the true-life story of John Davidson who has Tourette Syndrome. Without giving any spoilers I’ll cut to the bit that really got me thinking the most.

Due to a lack of education and understanding around John’s condition, he would get into a lot of trouble, with teachers, the police, a judge and even the Queen when receiving his MBE.

At 16 years old John was the subject of a BBC documentary title ‘John’s Not Mad’ and ever since he has worked tirelessly to educate people about the Tourettes condition. John gives talks, and runs workshops for school pupils, teachers and even the police so everyone better understands the condition and how things manifest for him, and others that also have Tourettes. He has even organised a two-day residential camp for other young people who suffer with Tourettes.

Education

It’s the ‘Education’ bit that really struck a chord with me; John and his family have truly gone above and beyond to raise awareness and understanding of his condition.

When we see something different that we don’t understand we make our own minds up about it, usually based on no experience, fact or knowledge and this is where stigma is created. Because it’s different and we don’t get it, we judge, sometimes we mock, shame and embarrass others because of it.

All not acceptable.

The same goes for Suicide, because most of us haven’t first hand suffered a lose or an attempt there is a lot of stigma and judging attached. We hear it all the time especially when a celebrity takes their own life. “How could they be so sad, they have everything”.

Suicide Prevention Activist

Since 2012 I have spoken a lot about the loss of my brother Matt, and I have been fortunate to speak in many different countries about him.

I have also dipped my toe in the water about speaking about my own attempts on my life and how being diagnosed with a personality disorder has really helped me understand how I’ve become who I am today, and why I have behaved like I have in the past, sometimes showing the not-best version of myself.

Because I’m ‘highly functioning’ people would have no ideas of the daily struggles I endure and my loved ones put up with. The hypervigilance I deal with daily due to PTSD which at times is extremely exhausting and debilitating. Then there is the Dissociative Amnesia condition, back in 2007 I lost 30 years of memory due to PTSD and what I have since learned about my childhood experiences.

The memory stuff bites me on the arse almost daily, not being able to remember things, or repeating the same stories word for word as I’ve been told them, then having to explain how I know it but don’t remember it. Meeting friends from years ago having absolutely no idea how I know them or what we got up to.  The anxiety goes through the roof.

Everyone just see’s the happy (sometimes funny) go lucky Andrew yet they have absolutely no idea what’s going on inside my head.

More John

I’ve decided I want to be ‘More John’

I want to educate people more about Suicide and Suicide Prevention. I’m taking on the title ‘Suicide Prevention Activist’.

When you mention the word activist we instantly think of the oil protestors or fox hunting, but the meaning of the word ‘Activist’ is exactly what I want to be.

An activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social change.

And that’s what I want to bring about, social change.

I want to talk and share as honestly and openly as I can to help educate and break down the stigmas attached to mental health, suicide and personality disorders.

How?

How am I going to do it?

Well, I’m going to share more, my experiences, others personal experiences. I’m going to be promoting a new keynote speech around my WHOLE personal mental health journey and how it’s shaped me to become who I am today and why it’s lead me to help people like I do through my performance scientist work.

I don’t want any one to struggle or suffer in any way at all, I want them to know help IS available and things CAN and WILL get better. Whether it’s anxiety, being nervous, or a lack of confidence that’s holding them back, I want to help them to lead a positive, happier and more fulfilled life. Whatever the problem it will pass

I truly want to save lives; I want people to understand more about how they can instigate a conversation that truly could make a difference to someone.

How can you help me?

Please become my biggest supporter, share my posts, talk about what I do and how I do it. Invite me along to do a talk or a workshop for you company or group.

Just please keep spreading the word and together we WILL make a difference.

'I Swear' to do my bit, do you?

Thank you John for the inspiration and thank you all EVER so much.

Diesel.