The tragedy of men who take their own lives has been highlighted by a Northern train driver who witnessed such an event on the tracks in front of his train.

Now, Mark Haigh, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, has spoken out to urge men with mental health issues to seek specialist help and talk about their problems.

The issue is also probably more widespread than many people think. According to Samaritans, more than 6,000 people across the UK and Republic of Ireland take their own lives each year.  Suicide is also more likely among men than women.  It is particularly prevalent in men in their 40s and 50s who come from a lower socio-economic group.

Speaking ahead of International Men’s Day, which takes place on Sunday 19 November, Mark revealed that he was at the controls of a Northern service which struck and killed a man in West Yorkshire.  Mark has worked for Northern since 2018 and the fatal incident took place last year.

Train drivers and conductors who witness suicide incidents suffer a considerable psychological impact.  All Northern staff who are involved in incidents such as suicide enter a ‘Chain of Care’ process which is provided by traumatic experience specialists. It can take weeks, months, even more than a year, before staff can return to their operational duties.  Northern has also worked with CHAPS, the men’s mental health charity, as well as Andy’s Man Club which is a male suicide prevention charity. This particular charity offers one-to-one and group sessions focussing on resilience for male employees.

International Men’s Day is an annual event which aims to bring about a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys around the world.  It also aims to raise awareness of support services available to as well as to promote a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity. With that in mind, this year’s theme is ‘Zero Male Suicide’.  Suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based interventions and anyone who finds themselves struggling with mental health issues can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or via email at [email protected].

Mark said: “Men need to feel more comfortable talking about their mental health and there are an increasing number of groups, services and helplines out there dedicated to helping them deal with their emotions, anxieties and other struggles. When I think about the guy that stepped in front of my train, it breaks my heart to think he felt there was no other option available to him.

“If International Men’s Day helps just one man have the courage to reach out and ask for help then it has achieved an amazing thing and saved someone’s friends and family the unimaginable pain of dealing with a needless loss.”

Nick Donovan, managing director of Northern, added: “Mark’s heartfelt message is clear. We need to breakdown the taboo that sadly still exists around men talking about their mental health and seeking help with their problems.

“International Men’s Day is a great opportunity to advance that cause and I applaud Mark for his willingness to talk about his own, deeply upsetting, experience and his plea for men to seek the help they need so they know they’re not facing their problems alone.”