World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10 September 2020 is to raise awareness and how to support someone who has suicidal thoughts. One in four people experience a mental health condition every year yet talking about mental health carries a greater stigma than talking about health issues. People feeling low or suicidal often feel worthless and thinks that no one cares. However, hearing from family and friends, feeling listened to or just being told that ‘its ok to talk’ and spending time with them can make a huge difference.

Seeking or accepting help for a mental health condition can be a real challenge. Admitting that someone needs help can seem like a sign of weakness and this can mean they feel unable to ask for help, unfortunately, it is this concealment that can lead to serious mental health problems and in the worst case scenario, suicide.

Suicide is distressing, by knowing the warning signs and being proactive in supporting someone why may be presenting these could save a life. Some of the signs to look out for are:

• Expressing the intent to hurt or kill themselves
• Writing or talking about death
• Hopelessness
• Showing feelings of rage or anger
• Acting in a reckless way without consideration of the consequences
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Isolating themselves from friends, family or society
• Trouble in sleeping
• Saying goodbye or ‘putting affairs in order’
• Significant changes in mood

If someone you know or care about is presenting some or all of these signs, make sure that you talk to them directly about how they might be feeling. You could suggest visiting the GP, contact a Safeguarding Officer or Mental Health First Aider within the College. If you think there is an immediate danger to the person, phone 999 and do not leave them unattended.

Mental Health First Aider information: click here

Safeguarding Officers: click here

Information to help individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts on “How to Cope” can be accessed clicking here

Zero Suicide Alliance have created 20 minutes awareness and individuals’ experiences click here to view