10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day.
Did you know that almost a million people commit suicide each year?
Suicide impacts the whole community, loved ones, services, and country.
It is a topic that needs to be discussed with an open mindset and more often. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around the topic of suicide however, the more we talk about it, the less stigmatized it will be, and hopefully, we can encourage people to continue to open up about the issues that they may be struggling to cope with.
Suicide can be prevented.
For suicide to be prevented, it is essential that people are aware of Protective factors. Protective factors are attributes within or surrounding individuals that equip them to effectively manage stressful life events.
Examples may include:
Strong interpersonal relationships- Having a support system including friends, family and the wider community can aid in an individual feeling able to talk about the issues they may face with someone they can trust.
Space to discuss issues that the individual may be experiencing– If there is no room for us to talk about our issues, how can we think of ways to overcome them and/or destress? It is important to be able to get off your burdens and not feel like you cannot speak your mind.
Work-life balance- We must all have a healthy work-life balance. Yes, we have to work to maintain our well-being and provide for ourselves and others, but it is important that we can rest and have fun too! Did you know that Mental ill health is responsible for millions of sick days per year?! That is outstanding.
Risk factors
It is sad that some people do not have the support systems they need.
that they may need. It is important to provide safe spaces for individuals and gentle encourage people to open up. Being there for someone may mean the world to them, so it is important to provide a listening ear to those in need. Having a lack of elements to reduce the risk of individuals taking their life are known as risk factors which are self-explanatory, increasing the risk of one taking their own life. Risk factors may include:
A history of mental illness- Unfortunately, a history of mental illness can increase the risk of an individual taking their own life.
Social isolation- Many people are surrounded by their support networks if they are blessed to have one. Having no one to turn to in your time of need can feel lonely. Having someone nearby in your corner or even a phone call away can make all the difference.
Substance Misuse- This can alter an individual’s well-being dramatically. The abuse of drugs and alcohol can impact one’s physical health, which also impacts one’s mental health. According to this study, a vast majority of suicides result from drug and alcohol dependence.
Are you concerned about someone contemplating suicide? Below are the warning signs you need to look out for:
· Previous attempts
· A plan to end life
· Talking about ending one’s life
· Withdrawing from others
· Loss of interest in hobbies that they used to enjoy
If you are concerned about an individual considering ending their life by suicide, do make sure you:
Listen in a non-judgemental way- It would be helpful if an individual feels comfortable speaking with you regarding how they are feeling.
Do not assume that the person is not taking this seriously
Do not promise that you will not take it further- If someone is contemplating suicide, take note and action it. Contact relevant services and provide the individual with emergency contacts if they need to speak with a trained professional at short notice.
For more information on the particular questions to ask regarding suicide plans, check out this website.
Below is some crisis contact information that may be useful.
These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult:
- Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Take Away
Remember to check on your loved ones; the strong ones too. Sometimes we can get so consumed with what goes on in our own lives that we may bypass someone crying out for help.
Thank you for reading, and take care.
