“Let’s not be afraid of talking”: How DigitalMe Tackles Very Difficult Subjects
Trigger Warning: This article, the associated report and film discusses addiction and suicide. It is not an easy read or watch and you can visit this link to Gateshead Council’s website if you would like support .
Each year, Gateshead’s Director of Public Health, writes a report about an important issue affecting the lives of people in Gateshead. This year the focus was on the devastating effects of addiction and suicide.
“Too many lives in Gateshead are cut short because of alcohol, drugs and suicide. Sadly, we are seeing increasing harm, particularly in relation to drug-related deaths. Deaths of this nature are both a consequence and cause of health inequalities. Whilst harm from alcohol, drugs and suicide can affect everyone, those in our most disadvantaged communities are hardest hit.
Numbers and data are not enough to understand this issue properly. Behind each number is a story of lives lost too soon, of loved ones left behind, and of communities grappling with pain and loss - the ripple effects are far reaching - an issue cutting across families, communities, and wider society.”
- Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health, Gateshead Council
Digital Voice was commissioned to create a new DigitalMe to highlight the stories behind the statistics and the resulting film, Ripples of Despair, forms part of Alice’s report. DigitalMe is our innovative approach to difficult or painful stories, it allows people to share their experiences whilst maintaining their anonymity.
The individuals who feature in the film have either experience of addiction and/or suicide attempts, or have been impacted by the loss of a loved one. They talk about why they found themselves turning to drugs or alcohol in the first place; why suicide felt like the only option. Family members recall seeing early signs but sometimes realising too late or not knowing how to help. Others talk about the difficulty of battling the stigma that surrounds addiction and death by suicide as another pressure. Everyone is now connected by their experiences:
“It’s a community that you don’t want to be a part of, but it’s a community you can’t be without at that time.”
- Participant
They are all difficult stories to hear, however, our film ends on a message of hope and the film’s existence, in tandem with the report, will hopefully offer support to other people in despair.
“While the path forward is not without challenges, it’s one paved with hope, hope that together we can create a future where fewer lives are lost and where prevention, support and healing are accessible to all.
To those who have been affected by this, and those who have generously and bravely shared their stories, we see you, we hear you and we stand with you. It is in your honour that we will continue this critical work.”
- Alice Wiseman
You can read Alice’s full report here: Foreword - Alice Wiseman, Gateshead Director of Public Health
You can watch our DigitalMe here:
Further support:
There are always people who want to listen. At any time, you can contact Mind's helpline on 0300 102 1234, or Samaritans on 116 123.
For anyone bereaved or affected by suicide, support is available from If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661; no matter how long ago the loss was.