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When It Is Darkest

Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It
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( 493 ratings, 79 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
When It Is Darkest by Rory O'Connor offers an evidence-based, compassionate exploration of suicide, its causes, and how to prevent it. Combining decades of expert research with personal experience, the book untangles complex reasons behind suicide and shatters unhelpful myths. It provides practical, sensitive advice on how to listen and support those vulnerable while guiding those grieving towards finding strength amid tragedy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$8000

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is essential for anyone seeking to understand suicide—whether supporting vulnerable loved ones, facing grief, or wanting informed guidance on mental health challenges.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The first evidence-based mass market self-help book on understanding and preventing suicide.

As featured on BBC Radio 4

Winner of the 2021 BPS Popular Science Book Award

'Read this incredible book. I wept and I learnt' - Prof Tanya Byron

'This book comes from the heart' - Roman Kemp

'Compassionate, personal and thought-provoking' - Prof Steve Peters

When you are faced with the unthinkable, this is the book you can turn to.

Suicide is baffling and devastating in equal measures, and it can affect any one of us - one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Yet despite the scale of the devastation, for family members and friends, suicide is still poorly understood.

Drawing on decades of work in the field of suicide prevention and research, and having been bereaved by suicide twice, Professor O'Connor is here to help. When It Is Darkest will untangle the complex reasons behind suicide and dispel any unhelpful myths. For those trying to help someone vulnerable, it will provide indispensable advice on communication, stressing the importance of listening to fears and anxieties without judgment. And for those who are struggling to get through the tragedy of suicide, it will help you find strength in the darkest of places.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

“Read this incredible book. I wept and I learnt.” — Prof Tanya Byron

“This book comes from the heart.” — Roman Kemp

“Compassionate, personal and thought-provoking.” — Prof Steve Peters

Praised for its honesty and depth, the book has been acclaimed for changing perceptions on suicide and mental health, offering vital insights and hope.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781785043437

Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 May 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vermilion

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 346g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Rory O'Connor is a Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Glasgow where he leads the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory. He is a world leader on suicide research and prevention and has been working in this area for 25 years. In January 2021, Rory became President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and he is also a past President of the International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR). He has published extensively in the field of suicide and self-harm and has contributed to six BBC documentaries on suicide, including Suicide and Me with the rapper Professor Green and Our Silent Emergency with Roman Kemp. You can find him on Twitter- @suicideresearch

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