Worlds Suicide Prevention Day

In the past couple of years we have experienced massive change, both as a nation and as a species. The global pandemic has forced us to rapidly change our habits, and with the numerous lockdowns imposed by the government, it’s no wonder how mental health can be affected negatively.

Thankfully mental health is no longer a ‘taboo’ subject, and it’s refreshing to see that mental health is starting to be taken seriously and recognised.  

10th September marks World Suicide Prevention Day.  World Suicide Prevention Day aims to promote ways to prevent suicide. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) organises the observance.

In 2020, the UK saw 6,211 deaths which were all caused by suicide. Throughout the world, 800,000 people die by taking their own lives.  The saddest part about all of these deaths, is that suicide is entirely preventable.

Mental health is a huge contributor to these preventable deaths and recognising signs early and getting the correct help quickly can make a huge difference.

Where do electric bikes fit in with mental health?  

Physical exercise has been proven to benefit the general population in terms of mental health and wellbeing. According to findings by The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, which showed that exercise can contribute to improvements in symptoms, including mood, alertness, concentration, sleep patterns and psychotic symptoms. Exercise can also contribute to improved quality of life through social interaction, meaningful use of time, purposeful activity and empowerment.

There are many misconceptions that electric bikes do not give the rider any physical health benefits - this is a total myth. To propel an electric bike forward you need to use your legs like you would any other bicycle. An e-bike uses pedal assisted technology. This means that it uses the motor to assist you, which ensures that you can explore longer distances, thus getting the physical exercise you need. 

One of the many benefits of an eBike is that it gives people of varying abilities the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature and the fresh air. 

The confidence, endorphin rush and time spent outside when cycling can help improve mental health and positivity. Exercise releases endorphins from your brain and other parts of your nervous system. These hormones are natural painkillers in the body and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. 

The positive emotional effects of cycling can be helpful for people with mental illnesses and for people who need to de-stress in general.

A study discovered that among different types of exercise, duration, frequency and intensity, cycling was one of the top activities that helped reduce mental health burden in study participants. The authors specifically noted that exercise with a duration of 45 minutes and frequencies of three to five times per week were especially helpful in supporting mental health.

Mental health can affect different people in many different ways, and exercise is just one way that can help. 

If you are suffering, please don’t suffer in silence.  Reach out to your friends, family or your GP. 

There are also lots of support charities like Samaritans, whose contact details are listed below:  

The Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (24/7)
Email: jo@samaritans.org