Gareth O'Callaghan: A stranger told me he was going to kill himself that day

We need to be comfortable addressing the topic of suicide with people who are distressed

Suicidal ideation is a mindset, not just a bunch of random thoughts. However, with the best intentions, if all we can do is offer reassurances to an individual who doesn’t want to be reassured, then we’ve lost.

Many years ago, shortly after my book A Day Called Hope was published, I was having lunch in a local pub before catching the train for work. 

As I was about to eat my sandwich, I looked up. A stranger was standing directly in front of me. He was mid-40s, wearing a smart suit, and he seemed quite calm.