Today is World Mental Health Day (10th October) – a day for raising awareness and talking about mental health issues and suicide prevention.
Let’s talk about suicide prevention. What can YOU do to make a difference?
Never an easy subject to talk about, many of us may want to help but are afraid of getting things wrong.
One is one too many
5,821 people in the UK lost their lives to suicide in 2017. This is down only slightly from 2016, with 5,965 deaths.
Most of us will know someone who has taken or attempted to take their own life.
Every suicide is one too many and it’s up to us all to do what we can to help prevent deaths by suicide.
Two thirds have ‘no-one to talk to’
In a survey in January last year, around two thirds of the adults polled said they did not feel they had someone to talk to about personal issues in their lives – such as mental heath, money problems and relationships.
The main reason given was that they could never find the right time or place.
Make time to talk
Maybe you know someone – a friend, a family member, a colleague – who is struggling and you’re worried they may have suicidal feelings.
Make today the day you reach out to them and make time and space to give them the opportunity to talk.
Listen. Talk openly and honestly. Don’t judge. Help to enable them to seek support and find solutions.
Most of all, don’t be afraid – let them know it’s okay not to be okay and that you are there for them.
Guidance on talking about suicidal feelings
For more guidance on talking to someone about mental health and suicidal feelings, visit the Mind website. or view the resources on the Time to Change website
Support if YOU have suicidal feelings
If you have suicidal feelings yourself, please know that there are people who want to support you because you deserve help. Please talk to someone you know, visit your GP, call the Mind helpline on 0300 123 3393 or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
For more information and advice, visit the Samaritans website
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