Sport Relief 

Surviving Suicide

Shown on Wednesday 5th March, 10.40pm–11.35pm, BBC One

Every day in the UK an average of 15 people take their own lives.

Behind each of these statistics is a story of a real person. For most it is a tragic and lonely one. For the people left behind, their story has often only just begun.

Many of those who commit suicide have been living with mental health problems such as depression or bipolar disorder for many years. These conditions are surprisingly common — one in four of us experience mental distress at some point in our lives.

This moving documentary follows the stories of six people who have survived their attempts to take their own life or are coping with the suicide of their loved ones.

The programme forms part of Comic Relief’s ongoing commitment to highlight the issue of mental health in the UK, and to support and empower people living with mental health problems to help them recover.

View Twink's Story
View Eve's Story

Twink's story

Twink was the official photographer for The Jam at the height of their popularity. Yet despite his enviable rock and roll lifestyle he also experienced the depths of depression and has tried to kill himself four times.

He lives with bipolar disorder (also known as 'manic depression'). The highs have taken him on many an impromptu adventure. The corresponding lows have seen him spend 20 hours a day in bed, unable to function.

One in fifty people in the UK are thought to have bipolar, and it is estimated that they are fifteen times more likely than average to attempt suicide. As Twink shows though, with the right care and support it is still possible to live a stable and happy life.

Eve's story

Eve's story provides a poignant reminder that there is more than one victim of every suicide.

In 1987 she experienced every mother's worst nightmare when she had to identify her daughter Vicky's body after she overdosed on her antidepressants. Eve and her son Michael were left to rely on each other for emotional support.

But tragically, five years later when Eve got a distressing telephone call she knew something was very wrong. By the time she got to him, Michael had already hanged himself.

Although depression has torn her family apart Eve describes herself as a 'suicide survivor'. She now works as a bereavement counsellor, providing comfort and support to other people who have lost someone close to them.

If you're looking for support and more information about mental health issues, please visit the BBC's mental health pages.