Mike McCarthy joins Dr. Ruth Allan on the 18th Episode of Brain Health: Unchaining Your Pain.Mike McCarthy is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a reporter and presenter in the news media for almost forty years.  Having worked for the BBC and Sky News he covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a massive variety of other stories across the world including politics from Washington DC, the Boston marathon bombing in the US, and a terrorist attack on the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa.  Mike worked for over ten years as the North of England bureau chief for Sky News, covering crime, politics, and sports stories. Significant events include rioting in Athens, the Manchester Arena bombing, and the Hillsborough disaster.His interviewees have included stars such as Muhammad Ali and most British prime ministers over the past four decades. He has worked in print, radio, and television in the fields of production, reporting, documentary-making, and presenting.In this show, we discuss the topic of suicide. Mike McCarthy lost his son Ross to suicide in February 2021 and shares his personal story of what happened, what is wrong with the system, and the steps he is taking to change how mental health is discussed and treated.Despite having depression for 10 years and attempted suicide the previous year, Mike discusses how his son Ross was on a six-month treatment waiting list. The mental health care system is in itself in a crisis and more needs to be done at all levels to raise awareness, from media to government to support groups, professional services, and healthcare organisations.This is a very personal discussion for Dr. Ruth, who is the second generation of a family member who was lost to suicide - Ruth’s mum’s father, Francis, when her mum was only six years old.For more information, visit:LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mike-mccarthy-82863b87Twitter: https://twitter.com/mynewsnorthWebsite: https://www.northernstarmedia.co.uk/broadcast-media-training/Connect with Dr. Ruth AllanWebsite: https://www.ruthmaryallan.com The Academy: http://www.wellbeingwarrioracademy.com Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatmentPlease note this show is for educational purposes only. Please always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.