Amy Irons Opens Up About Traumatic Experience of Losing Boyfriend to Suicide

Strategic Insights -

BBC Scotland presenter Amy Irons has shared her emotional account of the devastating loss of her boyfriend, Wayne Ewer, who took his own life seven years ago due to his long battle with mental health. In an effort to contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland, Irons has participated in a new podcast from Suicide Prevention Scotland, sharing her own struggles with mental health and the complex emotions that followed the tragedy. Her heartfelt words aim to encourage others to speak openly about mental health, emphasizing that suicide can be prevented by talking about it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amy Irons has spoken publicly about the traumatic experience of losing her boyfriend, Wayne Ewer, to suicide seven years ago, highlighting the importance of speaking openly about mental health.
  • Irons has struggled with her own mental health since the loss, feeling suicidal herself and grappling with complex emotions and grief.
  • The What If podcast, supported by Suicide Prevention Scotland, aims to have Scotland's biggest conversation about suicide prevention.
  • Guests on the podcast include former Scotland and Rangers striker Kris Boyd, whose younger brother, Scott, also took his own life in 2016.
  • Suicide Prevention Scotland encourages listeners to reach out for support, citing the Samaritans' hotline (116123) and online resources (www.samaritans.org).
  • Amy Irons emphasizes that talking about mental health can be a crucial step in preventing suicide.

Statistics:

  • At least 5,200 people in Scotland take their own lives each year (Source: National Records of Scotland).
  • 34-year-old BBC Scotland presenter Amy Irons has spoken publicly about her experience of losing a loved one to suicide.
  • 7 years have passed since Wayne Ewer's death, and the pain still feels raw for Irons.
  • In 2016, Scott Boyd, younger brother of former Scotland and Rangers striker Kris Boyd, took his own life.

Sources:

  • Samaritans – www.samaritans.org
  • National Records of Scotland
  • BBC Scotland
  • Suicide Prevention Scotland