Train driver urges men to talk about their mental health

Mark Haigh, a train driver with operator Northern, was at the controls of a service that struck and killed a man on the tracks in West Yorkshire in 2022.

He urged men to "feel more comfortable talking about their mental health".

Northern train driver Mark Haigh is encouraging men to talk about their mental health. (Image: UGC)

He said: "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."

The psychological impact on train drivers and conductors that witness these events is significant.

At Northern, all staff involved in incidents such as these enter a ‘Chain of Care’ process provided by traumatic experience specialists. It can be weeks, months and in some cases over a year before they are able to resume operational duties.

Nick Donovan, managing director of Northern, said: “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.”

Northern has previously worked with the men’s mental health charity, CHAPS and the male suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club, on one-to-one and group sessions on resilience for their male staff.

TransPennine Express unveiled a new livery encouraging men to talk about their mental health. (Image: UGC) (TPE) also unveiled the message 'It's okay to talk' on one of its Class 185 trains to raise awareness of men's mental health.

The design was developed with Andy's Man Club.

TPE managing director Chris Jackson said: "Charities such as Andy's Man Club are life-savers for so many, and we're extremely proud to work with them ahead of International Men's Day to unveil the new livery on our train.”

The operator said its staff have made more than 300 "interventions" in the past year, where they have "recognised and supported vulnerable people" on the railway.

Office of Rail and Road figures show there were 300 suspected suicide attempts on the mainline railway in the year to the end of March, of which 236 involved fatalities.

Andy's Man Club says it aims to "eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives".

For anyone who needs help, visit andysmanclub.co.uk to find your nearest group.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can also contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.