*Trigger warning * this episode contains discussion of mental health problems and suicide.
This is by far the most significant episode I’ve broadcast to date. Not because my guest is a household name – in fact you probably haven’t heard of him. Nor because he’s had a stellar career – he’s a 17-year-old school student (although he has wisdom and insight way beyond his years). No, the reason why this episode matters is because it addresses one of the most worrying problems facing our society – mental health problems amongst young people and teenage suicide.
In April 2019, Rui’s brother, JJ, took his own life. He was 19 years old. Since then Rui has raised many thousands of pounds for the mental health charity, Mind. In this interview we talk about:
- Lockdown life and what it’s like doing school from home
- JJ – who he was, his character and interests and how Rui likes to remember him
- JJ’s relaxed approach to rowing and the joy of paddling for the sake of paddling
- Being Captain of Boats
- How and when things went wrong for JJ
- The aftermath of JJ’s death and how rowing (and music) helped Rui through
- The fundraising Rui has done
- What schools and universities could do better to support troubled students
- The importance of talking about our feelings
- What we can do for loved ones if we’re concerned
- Why anyone struggling with their mental health shouldn’t suffer alone
- Rui’s hopes for the summer of 2021 and his quest for the seven seat (#RuifortheSevenSeat)
Resources mentioned on the show
The fundraising page set up by Rui’s family in memory of JJ is here.
You can find out more about Time to Talk Day here.
Rowing Together for Healthy Minds is most active on Instagram, here.
Check out the mental health charity, Mind, for all sorts of resources and support.
The number for the Samaritans is 116 123 (it’s free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year). They also have a self-help app where you can keep track of how you’re feeling, and get recommendations for things you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis.
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