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by Dr Marianne Trent & Steve Phillip - The Jordan Legacy
This article has been adapted from episode 144 of The Aspiring psychologist Podcast. If you prefer you can listen here or watch here.
In a moving episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent welcomes Steve Phillip, the founder of The Jordan Legacy, to discuss the urgent need to tackle the rising issue of suicide. Steve, who tragically lost his son, Jordan, to suicide, has transformed his personal grief into a powerful mission to prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss. Through The Jordan Legacy, Steve is raising awareness about the importance of open conversations around mental health and working towards a zero suicide society.
Jordan’s Story: A Tragic Loss
Jordan Phillip was just 34 years old when he took his own life in December 2019. Steve recounts how his son had been living a life that, on the surface, seemed full of success and potential. Jordan was well-liked, had a successful career in sales, a loving partner, and a supportive family. Yet beneath this exterior, Jordan had been battling with clinical anxiety and depression, which had gone largely unspoken.
Steve shares the heartbreak of losing Jordan, especially when there were few outward signs of the struggle he was facing. Like many men, Jordan hadn’t shared the depth of his emotional pain with those closest to him. This tragic silence is something Steve now seeks to address through his advocacy work, helping families understand the importance of recognising the invisible struggles their loved ones might be facing.
The Creation of The Jordan Legacy
After the shock of Jordan’s death, Steve found himself driven to do something positive in his son’s memory. This desire led to the creation of The Jordan Legacy, an organisation that advocates for a society where no one reaches the point of seeing suicide as their only option. Its mission is to inspire practical action and create a framework that brings the number of suicides down to zero. This may seem an ambitious goal, but for Steve, it’s not just about aspiration—it’s about tangible change.
Steve has been instrumental in starting conversations that often remain taboo. He is deeply committed to addressing the cultural reluctance around talking about mental health, especially suicide. For many, the fear of raising the subject can seem overwhelming, but Steve emphasises that talking about suicide doesn’t plant the idea in someone’s head. On the contrary, it can provide a crucial lifeline to someone in crisis.
Normalising Conversations About Suicide
One of the key elements of suicide prevention, Steve argues, is normalising conversations around suicide and mental health. Too often, families, friends, and even professionals avoid asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts out of fear. Steve highlights that this silence can allow those struggling with suicidal thoughts to feel even more isolated.
Steve stresses the importance of simply asking someone how they are doing and being prepared to ask more direct questions if needed, such as, “Are you thinking about ending your life?” It may feel uncomfortable, but asking the hard questions can create a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Steve also speaks about the importance of following up on these conversations—support doesn’t end after one talk. Ongoing, compassionate support is crucial.
Understanding the Pressures on Young People
Steve also brings attention to the pressures that particularly affect young people today, from societal expectations to the added strain of social media. He notes that many young people are grappling with unrealistic standards, constant comparison, and the pressure to succeed—often in silence. For many men, in particular, traditional gender expectations compound the issue, as they feel unable to speak openly about their vulnerabilities and mental health struggles.
The farming and construction industries, in particular, are highlighted by Steve as sectors with alarmingly high suicide rates among men. The Jordan Legacy aims to work closely with high-risk sectors to provide accessible support and resources, recognising that tailored approaches are essential for different communities.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Steve also reflects on the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health. Isolation, financial insecurity, and the disruption of normal life have led to an increase in mental health issues across the board, and suicide rates have reflected this growing crisis. The pandemic has, however, also opened up more discussions about mental health, as people have begun to acknowledge the psychological toll it has taken on society.
For Steve, the pandemic further underscored the need for urgent action in suicide prevention. It has become even clearer that people need support systems in place, and that we must all take responsibility for creating environments where individuals feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
Practical Solutions for Suicide Prevention
Through The Jordan Legacy, Steve has been advocating for practical, community-driven solutions to suicide prevention. This involves educating the public about mental health, offering training in suicide prevention techniques, and building collaborative efforts across industries to tackle the issue from multiple angles. Steve’s vision for a “zero suicide society” involves creating safe spaces, both physical and digital, where people can reach out for help.
Collaboration is at the heart of The Jordan Legacy’s work. Steve emphasises the importance of working with healthcare professionals, policymakers, employers, and communities to bring about meaningful change. He believes that through partnerships, we can develop effective strategies to prevent suicide, support those who are struggling, and ensure that help is available to those who need it.
The Economic Cost of Suicide
In addition to the emotional toll, Steve discusses the economic cost of suicide. In the UK, it is estimated that each suicide costs society £1.45 million, taking into account factors such as lost productivity, healthcare costs, and the impact on families. Steve argues that investing in suicide prevention is not only a moral obligation but also makes economic sense. By preventing suicides, we can reduce the enormous financial burden on society while saving lives.
Moving Towards a Zero Suicide Society
Steve’s ultimate goal is to work towards a society where suicides are no longer an inevitability. He advocates for a multi-pronged approach to suicide prevention, one that involves education, mental health support, and systemic change. He envisions a future where people feel able to talk openly about their mental health, where help is readily available, and where no one feels that suicide is their only option.
Conclusion
Steve Phillip’s conversation with Dr. Marianne Trent is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that suicide has on families and communities. Through The Jordan Legacy, Steve is turning his personal tragedy into a movement for change, advocating for a world where suicide is preventable and support is accessible for everyone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out, start a conversation, and seek help. The Jordan Legacy is working tirelessly to ensure that fewer families have to experience the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide. For more information, resources, and ways to get involved, visit The Jordan Legacy’s website or connect with Steve Phillip on LinkedIn.
Check out The Jordan Legacy website where you can also donate here. follow Steve on LinkedIn here.
For further reading, you can explore Dr. Trent’s book, "The Grief Collective," which offers a collection of stories related to grief and loss.
Stay connected with Dr. Trent on social media and join the Aspiring Psychologist community on Facebook for ongoing support and resources.
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