World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to encourage us to talk and spread awareness of suicide prevention. In the UK more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year, an average of 18 each day.
It’s OK to ask someone directly about suicide. Being able to spot the signs of distress and suicidal behaviour is the first step in preventing suicide. Here are some warning signs to look out for that could indicate someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings:
- Talking about feeling hopeless and that life is not worth living.
- Saying that friends and family would be better off without them.
- Talking about death and plans to take their own life.
- A sudden and seemingly full recovery after a period of severe depression.
- Looking into methods or the means to end their own life.
- Putting all their affairs in order and seeming to be preparing to die.
- Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye to loved ones.
- Saying that they can hear voices telling them to end their own life.
Seeking counselling support is not just for when you are in crisis. It can help you to gain deeper insight and understanding and help you to gain a different perspective on a situation. The Foundation offer a range of counselling support services. Counselling can help to:-
- Cope with stress
- Make sense of past traumatic experiences
- Separate your true personality from the mood swings caused by your illness
- Identify triggers that may worsen your symptoms
- Improve relationships with family and friends
- Develop a plan for coping with crisis
- Understand why things bother you and what you can do about them
You don’t need to be an expert to talk about mental health. Often, just asking if someone’s OK and letting them know you’re listening can give people the confidence to open up about how they’re feeling. Talking makes a difference and can save lives.
Reach out to someone who you know may be struggling with loneliness, anxiety or thoughts of suicide,