World Suicide Prevention Day
Date Added: 10/09/2020
Know where to go for help
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention it provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
Each year, globally, there are 800,000 suicides and 20million attempted suicides. Suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages.
Don't be scared to talk about suicide. It might be a difficult conversation to have but it could make a real difference to someone else.
See the signs
One local campaign ‘See the Signs, Save a Life’ advises how to support someone with suicidal thoughts, and encourages us to talk openly about suicide. It stresses that people often just need someone to talk to. If you’re worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, try to encourage them to talk openly about how they are feeling. Listening is the best way to help. Their website also provides advice on what to do for someone who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition and provides confidential helplines and support.
Help for men
National research suggests that men are less likely to seek help early, sometimes because they don’t recognise the symptoms of anxiety or depression, they are concerned about how other people may react or because they are not sure what to do. Heads Up aims to prompt men to recognise when and if they are feeling low and how to take action. The reality is there is help available and the earlier it is sought, the better the outcome. Heads Up includes a wealth of information from how to stay well, symptoms to look out for and for those who would like more help, contact details to access effective talking therapies.
Looking after your mental health
The NHS campaign Every Mind Matters recognises that having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. With expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. It also provides advice for parents and carers as well as self-care for young people.
Mental Health at Work
Paying attention to workplace mental health has never been more important and the Mental Health at Work website provides a host of advice and resources – including coping with the challenges of working from home, so take some time to see what help is easily available at your fingertips.
The common message throughout all of the resources and advice is the importance of staying connected, both talking and listening –as featured in the short film ‘Step Closer’ with its positive message encouraging connections and that we all have a role to play in working together to prevent suicide.
If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts it's important to tell someone, help is available right now - here's a list of free helplines from the NHS website.