This Book Could Save Your Life
Breaking the silence around the mental health emergency
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Narrated by:
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By:
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Ben West
Summary
‘What’s sort of funny when something horrific happens is that nothing happens to the rest of the world. The cars still drive, the planes still fly…everything just continues. And that’s probably the best gift we have. Because, for the most part, there’s no right or wrong way to do things – life becomes whatever you make it’
This book has been written for you.
In 2018, Ben’s world collapsed around him when he unexpectedly lost his brother to suicide.
In the raw aftermath of this tragedy, Ben found the strength to learn, educate and campaign about mental health. He also wrote this book as a reminder that in despair you can always find hope. It’s packed with advice and practical takeaways.
So read it, remember it and pass it on – it could save your life.
Ben West is one of the most engaged mental health campaigners in the UK, committed to making real change around mental health in our society. At just 20 years old Ben has already won a Pride of Britain Award, The Diana Award and the Mental Health Hero Award as part of the The Sun Who Cares initiative. He has also spoken on ITV News and BBC Newsbeat, among others, about mental health.
The sudden and unexpected loss of his brother to suicide three years ago propelled Ben to take positive action from this tragedy and concentrate his pain into a drive to campaigning around mental health awareness, suicide prevention and fundamentally changing how we approach mental health, especially in schools and the education system.
©2022 Ben West (P)2022 HarperCollins PublishersThe tragedy of his brother's suicide has led Ben to campaign for changes in the way mental health is addressed by teachers and government, and also by people being open with, and talking to, each other. Men are especially bad at doing this - we don't like appearing vulnerable, and just bottle things up, too embarrassed to admit our need for help. Others don't know how best to approach the person in need, so nothing happens to make anything better.
This is a very open account of what happened, and how Ben and others acted, felt and reacted at different stages, and how little help was available for the emotional and mental results. It is surprising (and encouraging) how common some of the problems and reactions are - we are not alone in some of these experiences, yet anyone going through it probably thinks they are.
Ben has used his sad experience to start conversations and campaigns to bring these issues to the attention of people who need help themselves, or could make a difference from their positions of authority. In the book (and PDF), he lists various resources, and provides useful ideas for helping others and reaching out to people. Even our choice of words at these times can make such a difference, and his suggestions make so much sense. If we need help ourselves, or want to offer help to or just a listening ear to others, that first communication is so important, and can be so scary!
I admire Ben's courage in writing this book - and narrating the audiobook. How on earth did he get manage to get through reading it out loud? Read or listen to this book, and encourage others to do the same, but USE the knowledge you gain to help others. It will make you laugh (or cringe) and cry, but hopefully it will encourage you to DO something. Bravo, Ben!
A vital call to action about mental health
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Read this book in 3 days and it’s given me hope that changes will be made because there are people like Ben that care enough to be honest and open about suicide. The stats are terrifying I just hope more people read this book and feel touched and affected. Not just those of us with mental health issues or those that have been affected by suicide.
This book is an honest account of fear, sadness, honesty, humour and a million other emotions that come with all types of mental Illness/suicide. Although it at times took me back to my own personal nightmare and made my heart race with anxiety it also made me feel like I’m not alone, that people are championing this cause and hopeful for a better future especially for our children.
Good job 17 year old and future Ben. You should be so proud of yourself 🥰
Statistically saddening but a book full of hope for change
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Such a heart rending, emotional story.
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Everyone needs to listen to this
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Amazing
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