Suicide Prevention
Now more than ever people’s mental health is suffering and the need for suicide prevention is as great as ever.
Recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously is the first step in suicide prevention. If you think a family member or friend is suicidal there is plenty you can do to help save their life.
Understanding Suicide
It is estimated by The World Health Organisation that approximately 1 million people die from suicide each year globally. For those not feeling this way, it can be hard to understand why someone else is, but for a suicidal person they are in so much pain they can see no other option.
Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. For most suicidal people, despite wanting their pain to end, they are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They want an alternative but can’t see one.
Some warning signs to look out for
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Major warning signs are talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves and looking for things that could be used, such as weapons or drugs.
Other warning signs are talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live, talking about great guilt or shame. A suicidal person might start using alcohol or drugs more often, or get anxious or agitated more easily. Withdrawing from family and friends and changing eating or sleeping habits can also be warning signs.
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behaviour is new or has increased recently.
How can you help a suicidal person?
Everyone can make a difference to someone who has reached the point of wanting to end their lives.
Whenever someone thinks they want to end their life there is usually a complex story behind it. Just being there and listening can really make a difference.
As I mentioned earlier, most people who have suicidal thoughts don’t really want to end their life; they just don’t want to be living the life they are – making small adjustments to their current circumstances can be a good starting point.
Many people have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lifetime and prevention is something we can all help with. A short conversation with someone can sometimes be the difference between life and death. The advice ‘WAIT’ is a good way to remember how to support someone.
Watch out for signs of distress and uncharacteristic behaviours e.g. social withdrawal, irritability.
Ask ‘are you having suicidal thoughts’ – talking about it doesn’t encourage it, it can actually prevent it and can start a lifesaving conversation.
It will pass – assure your loved one that their suicidal feelings will pass with time.
Talk to others – encourage them to seek help from a GP or health professional or myself.
Maybe you know someone who is struggling or you yourself need someone to talk to, please remember there is always someone to talk to. Some people are comfortable talking to family or friends, but for others, this isn’t always easy. I am available for you 24/7, a phone call, an email or a face-to-face chat.
Take action, talk to someone, save a life.
How I can help
As a Mental Health First Aider and I am trained to provide first response support to someone in crisis.
Hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) both help with reframing negative thoughts. I can work with you to help develop positive thoughts and behaviour patterns to replace negative ones.
If you are worried about seeking medical help because of the stigma of having a 'mental health problem' on your medical records, don’t be - that won't happen when you see me.
With NHS mental health services under crippling strain at the moment, you can access help faster and without joining a long waiting list.
If you are worried about a friend or relative or you yourself need someone to talk to, call me on 07557668729 and let me help you work your way back to a life that you want to live.