Dr Simon Harold Walker

@hwlg.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social

Through the (Medical) Scanner Darkly Surveillance technologies are rapidly transforming mental health care, promising safety but delivering complex ethical challenges. Drawing on Griffiths et al. (2024) and Foucault’s concept of the panopticon, this reflection considers whether “smart wards” enhance care or merely extend institutional control. In an age of data-driven vigilance, the question is not how much more we can see, but whether we still understand what we are looking at.

Through the (Medical) Scanner Darkly

Surveillance technologies are rapidly transforming mental health care, promising safety but delivering complex ethical challenges. Drawing on Griffiths et al. (2024) and Foucault’s concept of the panopticon, this reflection considers whether “smart wards”…

Delighted to be ask to speak today at the Health and Safety Annual Seminar for @unison.org.uk on behalf of @HWLGroup on Mental Health in the Workplacd on #WorldMentalHealthDay

@uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgshw.bsky.social

National Suicide Prevention Day: Life Events, Loss, and the Work Ahead

Moving house is one of life’s big transitions. Boxes, memories, and a long to-do list. For most, it’s stressful but manageable. For others, especially those already carrying heavy burdens, such major life events can act as…

What Future for the Humanities in Britain? My Friends – Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night! We are facing a culling of creative arts, and it terrifies me. Currently, I work as an Occupational Health Researcher and Suicidologist at the University of Glasgow within the School of Health and …

The Humanities are under attack! This piece examines what is happening and what impact that is having on our universities, students, and academics.

simonhwalker.com/2025/08/27/w...

What Future for the Humanities in Britain? My Friends – Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night! We are facing a culling of creative arts, and it terrifies me. Currently, I work as an Occupational Health Researcher and Suicidologist at the University of Glasgow within the School of Health and Wellbeing, but I never aimed to be in medicine. Initially, I trained as a historian. My undergraduate and master’s degrees were based in History and Sociology, and my PhD at Strathclyde began with a focus on medical military history.

What Future for the Humanities in Britain? My Friends – Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night!

We are facing a culling of creative arts, and it terrifies me. Currently, I work as an Occupational Health Researcher and Suicidologist at the University of Glasgow within the School of Health and…

Chatbots, Suicide, and the Rage against the Machine This week The Independent went with a headline declaring that AI chatbots are “pushing people towards mania, psychosis and death – and OpenAI doesn’t know how to stop it.” It’s dramatic, designed t…

This week, The Independent claimed AI chatbots are “pushing people toward mania, psychosis and death.” Sensational—but misleading. AI doesn’t create crisis i mirrors it. My latest article reframes the debate: responsibility, design, and what’s really at stake.

simonhwalker.com/2025/08/22/c...

Chatbots, Suicide, and the Rage against the Machine

This week The Independent

Several nurses have died by suicide during years-long NMC investigations. This isn’t regulation, it’s harm. The RESUME Project maps the pressure points where risk spikes—and shows how we can do better. Read more 👉 www.simonhwalker.com

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Are you a nurse in the UK? We need you. (Pls Shr)
I lead RESUME Study (REsearch into Scottish nursing SUicide and Mental health Experiences). Developing a new digital tool to spot Suicide early - Join our online session 10/07/25 7:30–9:00pm

Sign up here events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ffef33...

Bouncing Back from Academic Rejection (Without Punching a Wall) By Dr Simon H. Walker “My inbox, basically.” Another “Thanks, but no thanks.” Promotion rejected. Funding application rejected. Job application rejected — again. I wish I could say I’m writing this…

🎓 Another rejection? Join the club.

More promotions rejected, funding turned down, job applications ignored. Academia is a meat grinder for your confidence (and soul). How to bounce back with brutal honesty, pop culture metaphors, and a dash of gallows humour.

simonhwalker.com/2025/07/04/b...

Artificial Intelligence has long been a staple of science fiction, from the wise-cracking KITT in Knight Rider to the sentient musings of Deep Thought in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. AI is no longer a distant dream—it’s here, embedded in our lives, shaping how we think, work, and communicate.

Malingering in the Modern Military: The Hidden Struggle Behind Military Medical Avoidance I was recently asked by a valued colleague if within the modern military historic understanding of malingering is still applicable: I argue yes, and that Social Media response turned into this article (again - oops) In 2003, Staff Sergeant Georg-Andreas Pogany, an interrogator with the U.S. Army’s Green Berets in Iraq, witnessed the gruesome aftermath of an enemy attack. The experience triggered severe panic attacks, and recognizing the symptoms, he sought medical assistance from his superiors.

Malingering in the Modern Military: The Hidden Struggle Behind Military Medical Avoidance

I was recently asked by a valued colleague if within the modern military historic understanding of malingering is still applicable: I argue yes, and that Social Media response turned into this article (again…

Glasgow comedian to host stand-up show raising awareness of suicide A Glasgow comedian and academic is hosting a stand-up show to raise awareness of suicide.

www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/2477829...

Less than 1 week to go! Get your tickets asap. Our free stand up event is selling out fast and we need your support.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laughter-l...

YouTube video by Buckaroo Bon-Si Laughter Lives Comedy Event -11th December #standup #standupcomedy @suicideprevention #buckaroobonsi

Free Ticketed Event - Laughter Lives Comedy Event -11th December - Knowledge exchange / Public Engagement Stand Up and Research Sharing - #SucidePrevention, In support of @andysmanclubuk @hwlg.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social youtu.be/UKaZsR-PbkM?... via @YouTube Pls Shr/RP

YouTube video by Buckaroo Bon-Si Laughter Lives Comedy Event -11th December #standup #standupcomedy @suicideprevention #buckaroobonsi

Free Ticketed Event - Laughter Lives Comedy Event -11th December - Knowledge exchange / Public Engagement Stand Up and Research Sharing - #SucidePrevention, In support of @andysmanclubuk @hwlg.bsky.social @uofglasgow.bsky.social youtu.be/UKaZsR-PbkM?... via @YouTube Pls Shr/RP

#laughterlives FREE Comedy Night (11th of December) KE
@hwlg.bsky.social & @uofglasgow.bsky.social with
#Andysmanclub. Comedy with local standups hosted by @buckaroobonsi.bsky.social & you could win tickets to @robbeckett.bsky.social next glasgow show! pls SHR/RePost laughterlives.eventbrite.co.uk

Me too please @drsiwalker.bsky.social

Lets link up on bsky

Starter pack to find University of Glasgow related people...

Please post if you want to be added/removed.

go.bsky.app/PgJ23HK