Dr Sangeeta Mahajan
Mental Health Activist and Educator
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK.
This fact should be known to each and every person and yet, despite being a medical professional, I only discovered it after the tragic death of my son, Saagar.
Thousands of people are affected by suicide each year and very few receive the support they need in an appropriate way at the time they need it.
Here I hope to share my thoughts, blog, talks and publications in the hope that it will be helpful for those affected by suicide. I dream of a world free of suicide and I believe that suicide is generally preventable if communities are connected and aware.
I speak to a variety of audiences such as teachers, parents, organisations and workplaces to raise awareness of Adolescent mental health, Suicide and its prevention and Bereavement support.
About me
On the 16th of October 2014, I lost my darling son Saagar to suicide. Since then I have developed a keen interest in the workings of young minds, their design, their expression and their challenges. I have also come to learn about the NHS and its limitations when it comes to looking after young people. I am now a Mental health activist and educator, a qualified trainer in Youth Mental Health First aid and have trained many teachers to identify students in difficulty at an early stage. Through writing and speaking, I endeavour to engage with as many people as I can so that we can work together to prevent young suicide through raising awareness and reducing stigma.
I empower people with skills so that they can understand the vulnerabilities of those around them and be aware of their own fragility. I aim to enhance the confidence of carers by supporting them with knowledge on how to interface with services and resources. I also work with bereavement families, enabling them to cope with their pain.
Churchill Fellowship Report 2019
Bridging the gaps in Suicide Prevention
Presentations
My Champion, Me.
Speaking about Self-compassion to a large group of bereaved parents at the invitation of The Compassionate Friends. UK. February 2021.