Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
A UK radio host was left stunned when a late-night phone caller told him he intended to take his own life in what would become one of his most memorable nights on air.
Only a few years ago the world was turned upside down as nations attempted to deal with the issue of Covid-19 and having to shut down normal society.
Understandably, with businesses going bust and lift as we know it coming to a standstill, many people’s mental health struggled as a result.
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And this was true of one individual introduced as Simon, who decided to call in to speak to Talk TV radio host Cristo Foufas in the UK.
In a new op-ed for The Mirror, Foufas recalled the conversation he had with Simon, from Bristol, and how he attempted to deal with him and talk him out of suicide.
Foufas admitted that he too has struggled with his mental health and as a broadcaster for 20 years, he felt he had a duty to offer a kind and friendly ear anytime he spoke with someone who called in.
Speaking of the call he received during one of the many COVID-19 lockdowns the UK had back in 2021, he wrote: “As the presenter of the 10pm-1am show on TalkTV, I genuinely felt I had a duty to help with the mental health of my audience – many of whom hadn’t really seen anyone in person for months.
“One night, my producer put through a call from ‘Simon’. While I was used to hearing those who were struggling, Simon was different. Within moments of coming on air, he delivered a bombshell: he was planning on taking his own life.”
He added that Simon continued to open up and explained that he had attempted suicide before but had failed, and was in despair over his personal families surrounding his ex, his finances, his job and his relationship with his children.
Foufas noted the pair had a lengthy chat, which was rare for the radio show, and that he listened and offered advice where possible.
He emphasized that he simply spoke to him as a friend and insisted most people would benefit from simply having someone hear them and their problems.
Off air, his producers spoke to him and offered him the help of professional services.
Foufas went four years not knowing what became of Simon, despite later attempts at contacting him. However, on his final show - it was being cancelled due to budget cuts - he was gifted with another caller who happened to be the same Simon.
Foufas explained: “I was left speechless when he told me he couldn’t let me leave Talk without thanking me for 'saving his life'.
"He went on to explain that the call he made was the turning point. He’d gone on to have a meaningful relationship with his children, a stable home life, and even a dog.
"And he credited it, the help we gave him, as the moment it all changed. It kick-started his journey to a better place."
Foufas concluded that this was the most humbling moment of his broadcasting career and insisted it was important for men to speak up about their mental health.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone
Topics: UK News, Mental Health
Gerrard Kaonga