The 10th of September is “World Suicide Prevention Day”, the theme for this year is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
Thoughts of suicide can touch us all, whether through our own personal struggles or by supporting someone we care about.
Talking is a crucial part of prevention and healing.
One incredibly valuable way to open up, is by connecting with others who understand. This is where a peer support community like Time to Talk Mental Health UK can make all the difference.
Often people struggling, suffer in silence. This has a massively heavy burden on them & can control all they do. We can all help stop that, by equipping ourselves to be able to talk with them, ensure they are not misunderstood and helping them share their thoughts that they may think are “too dark” to share.
The important thing is to ask people directly how they are feeling. Just asking the question gives them permission to tell you their thoughts – that can be enough for them to take a moment and look at the alternatives, it can be a helping hand to drag them out of their mental isolation.
People who feel suicidal, do not necessarily want to die, but they are in a situation where they don’t want to live. A distraction from somebody else, may seem small, but it is very important. And it’s why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.
If you are able to signpost them to other services (see below) then that would be even better!
If you are struggling yourself, try and think though a plan:
- Recognise your warning signs.
- Make your surroundings safe.
- Remind yourself of reasons to live.
- Distract yourself with things you like doing.
- Connect with people and places.
- Talk to family and friends.
Get professional support.
30 years ago, Bob Hoskins told everybody in BT adverts that it was “good to talk” – it’s even better to listen, and that is what you can do with your friends and colleagues, spend that little extra time listening to people – making time to connect. It could change their life.
List of resources (UK based):
- Time To Talk Mental Health UK, online peer support timetotalkuk.org.uk
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7, confidential)
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): http://www.thecalmzone.net 0800 58 58 58
- Shout: Text 85258 (24/7 text service for those in crisis)