When It Is Darkest cover art

When It Is Darkest

Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It

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When It Is Darkest

By: Rory O'Connor
Narrated by: Rory O'Connor
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About this listen

When It Is Darkest draws on Rory O'Connor's years of experience in suicide prevention, mental health and psychology and takes a comprehensive look into the reasons behind suicide and how to support someone who is suicidal themselves.

Suicide is baffling and devastating in equal measures, and it can affect any one of us - one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Yet despite the scale of the devastation, for family members and friends, suicide is still poorly understood.

Drawing on decades of work in the field of suicide prevention and research, and having been bereaved by suicide twice, Professor O'Connor is here to help. This audiobook will untangle the complex reasons behind suicide and dispel any unhelpful myths. For those trying to help someone vulnerable, it will provide indispensable advice on communication, stressing the importance of listening to fears and anxieties without judgment. And for those who are struggling to get through the tragedy of suicide, it will help you find strength in the darkest of places.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Rory O’Connor (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring Mental Health Health

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Critic reviews

"Prof O'Connor gives us a rare and truly affecting gift.... If you want to truly get to the heart of 'the big S question', read this incredible book. I wept and I learnt." (Professor Tanya Byron, clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster)

"An essential read. Honest and unflinching, but always thoughtful and compassionate, Rory O'Connor brings light to a subject that has for too long been in the shadows." (Dr Niall Boyce, editor of Lancet Psychiatry)

"I read [it] in a single sitting. What makes it so compelling is its unique combination of research, clinical, and deeply personal perspectives on one of the great societal challenges of our time. Rory's enthusiasm to make things better and his utter dedication to suicide prevention shines through." (Professor Nav Kapur, professor of psychiatry and population health, University of Manchester, UK)

All stars
Most relevant
as a bereaved person I can say this has helped me with the thoughts I have about the loss. it is very interesting but also provides practical insights. i wish more people would read it.

helping me get to grips with suicide

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Powerful, inspiring, and potentially lifesaving. I thought this was absolutely brilliant and highlights how we can all make a difference, both to those thinking about suicide, and to those bereaved by suicide.

Suicide prevention for all

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Informative, engaging narration and addressing a very important issue. i would highly recommended this book

very informative

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This is a book I've been looking for since losing a friend to suicide and asking myself why. The author clearly and compassionately explains what he knows about why people die by suicide using the most important research findings, but reflects on these from his own personal experience. Listening to him speak from the heart with an obvious drive to keep trying to understand more has given me hope for better help for people struggling to cope. Thank you to Professor O'Connor and his colleagues for continuing to find the courage to do this most important work..

Helped me find answers to hard questions

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For me, I felt Rory O'Connor presented important information and dispelled myths surrounding suicide. The messages were not lost in overcomplicated explanations, and he reflected openly on his own experiences and those of people he has worked with, researched with and cared for. The download pdf is a useful tool for those looking for academic aids to some of the information he speaks about. There is no judgement, assumption or misinformation about suicide, and there is compassion for those who have experienced it.

Vital information in an accessible format.

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