Mindbeat

On World Mental Health Day 10.10.24, I want to take a moment to address an issue that is deeply personal to me—suicide. Having experienced suicide firsthand in my own family, I know the deep and lasting impact it has on loved ones. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I had an international leadership development event to run in London, and despite the shock, I felt I couldn’t let the leaders down who had traveled from far and wide (it’s crazy what your mind prioritises in moments like that). I traveled on autopilot, opened the session, and handed things over to a colleague in the afternoon. The pain, confusion, guilt, and grief that follow are indescribable, and the void left behind is something you carry with you forever. I often wonder, if only they had reached out, or if only we had spotted the signs. But it's important to remember that this doesn't have to be our reality. Suicide is preventable, and one of the most powerful tools we have in this fight is speaking up—whether you’re the one struggling, or someone noticing the signs in others. Through self-discovery and learning, here’s what I know: 80% of people who consider suicide show warning signs or share their struggles before attempting it. Yet, these cries for help are too often missed or ignored. We need to create a world where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. If you, or someone you know is struggling, please know that you are not alone. Reach out. Start a conversation. You don’t need to have the perfect words, just showing that you care can make all the difference. One conversation can change a life. Today, I want to encourage you to check in on your loved ones and colleagues. Ask the tough questions. Let them know you’re there for them. And if you’re struggling, know that speaking up is not a burden—there are people who care about you, who want to help. UK helplines: Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free) Text SHOUT to 85258 for a CRISIS team Suicide Prevention UK: 0800 689 5652 #WorldMentalHealthDay #SuicidePrevention #EndTheStigma #ReachOut #YouAreNotAlone

World Mental Health Day is always a poignant day for my family and me, and not one I usually post about. But I thought this year I would lean in. We lost my father, Ulf Krantz, to suicide 11 years ago. Dad’s ’public persona’ was positive, sociable, kind, funny, driven and successful. Yet on the inside, things were quite different for him and he felt isolated and ill-equipped to navigate some of life’s challenges in the last few years of his life. While he tried medication and therapy in his last year, we sadly only learned too late that it only seemed to make things worse until we lost him. Losing him was devastating and raised all sorts of feelings for me and for those close to him. Did I miss something? Could I have supported him better? Why didn’t he ask for more help? As always, today is a reminder to appreciate the good things in our lives - our health, our loved ones, simple daily things like a conversation over a cup of tea, or a simple 'how are you getting on?' We never truly know what somebody is feeling or going through outside of the workplace. So on this World Mental Health Day, I urge my fellow business founders, friends and colleagues to check in with both their work families and home families and just ask, is there anything we can do to help? And if you are struggling, know that there are people around you who want to help. Try not to carry the struggle alone! #mentalhealthday