The recent death of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe has brought many tributes relating to his playing days. He was a great batsman and a family man.

Thorpe was just 55 when he died. Strangely, at the time, there was no mention of cause.  At the time of death, there is a tendency to only dwell on the positives.

But it has now been reported that he killed himself by stepping in front of a train and that he had attempted suicide a couple of years ago. A real tragedy for Thorpe, his family and the train driver.

Thorpe’s wife, Amanda said, "Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental health is a real disease and can affect anyone.

“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him he did not get better."

Graham Thorpe had mental health problems, still a taboo subject for many, though less so today than in past years. 

Cllr Paul Donovan says the taboo around mental health is getting betterCllr Paul Donovan says the taboo around mental health is getting better (Image: Paul Donovan)

I had a friend who I used to go running with. A schoolteacher and a larger-than-life character for much of the time, he could descend into dark depressions. There seemed no way out. He attempted suicide several times before finally succeeding.

Life is a precious thing that needs to be valued and nurtured. Physical and mental health are both equally important. The focus until recently has largely been on the physical, with mental issues very much secondary. Fortunately, things are changing with greater recognition of mental health issues but more needs to be done. 

There is also a move towards greater isolation in our modern world. Less contact, people living more in virtual reality silos - cut off which the Covid pandemic exacerbated. People are still coming to terms with that period health-wise.

Greater resources need to be put into mental health care. But everyone can be more aware, ask if someone is ok and just greet people daily.

Make the world a friendlier, more inclusive place. Be aware of tendencies to become isolated. Isolation is not limited to physically being alone, people can feel lonely in family units.

We all need to be more aware of our own mental health too and nurture it. 

It is so easy to start slipping down the slope to mental health breakdown. The hardest step is often recognising the problem and seeking help. But there is no shame in it, the sooner that help comes the quicker things can begin to improve. 

Thankfully, most people don't take their own lives, but we all need to do more to help each other out when it comes to mental health issues.

  • Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).