A Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) has garnered praise from all political parties for his heartfelt speech in the parliament where he shared his personal struggle with attempting to take his own life and urged others to seek help.
During the prime minister’s questions, Elliot Colburn, who has been serving as the representative for Carshalton and Wallington since December 2019, emotionally recounted how his suicide attempt in 2021 was unsuccessful, thanks to the timely intervention of his family members.
Colburn commenced his speech by highlighting the significance of February as Boost Your Self-Esteem Month and Children’s Mental Health Month, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. He solemnly mentioned the alarming statistic of approximately 6,500 suicides in the UK each year before revealing his own brush with death in 2021.
Expressing gratitude for the swift assistance he received from his family and the exceptional care provided by St Helier and Springfield hospitals, Colburn acknowledged the crucial role of the National Health Service (NHS) in his recovery process. He emotionally thanked all those who supported him during his darkest hour and apologized to his loved ones for the distress he caused them.
Reflecting on his journey, Colburn admitted feeling isolated and overwhelmed by despair during his suicide attempt but affirmed that he has since overcome those dark thoughts. He encouraged others facing similar struggles to seek help, reassuring them that they are not alone and that brighter days are ahead.
In response to Colburn’s poignant address, fellow MPs from both the Conservative and opposition parties applauded and expressed their support. The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing a new prevention strategy to combat suicide rates, while the Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, extended his support to Colburn.
Despite the challenges he faced, Colburn returned to work a few weeks after the incident, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive environment for recovery. Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, he acknowledged the difficulty in speaking out but highlighted the importance of breaking the silence.
Colburn acknowledged the multitude of factors that contributed to his suicide attempt, emphasizing the significance of reaching out for help during times of distress. He praised the invaluable support he received and acknowledged the varying experiences of individuals in similar situations.
The MP’s bravery in sharing his story received accolades on social media, with the shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, commending his courage and highlighting the potential impact of his narrative on others facing similar challenges.
As the government aims to address the rising suicide rates, particularly among children and young people, urgent measures are being implemented to reverse these distressing trends and provide essential support to those in need.