Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Nearly 800,000 people die due to suicide every year globally. World Suicide Prevention Day, taking place on the 10th September 2020, aims to continue the vital conversation about suicide; to show that help is available, and recovery is possible. This year, the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide.’
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health which means that people thinking about suicide may find it difficult to reach out and ask for help.
The World Health Organisation states that only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 38 countries report having a ‘national suicide prevention strategy’. It is important that we dedicate time to all the people who have lost their lives and work towards educating the nation to help prevent suicide.
Inequalities in suicide rates globally indicate where resources need to be focused in order to prevent more loss of life. Commenting on ONS data from 2018 Nick Stripe, Head of Health Analysis and Life Events, said:
“We saw a significant increase in the rate of deaths registered as suicide last year which has changed a trend of continuous decline since 2013. While the exact reasons for this are unknown, the latest data show that this was largely driven by an increase among men who have continued to be most at risk of dying by suicide. In recent years, there have also been increases in the rate among young adults, with females under 25 reaching the highest rate on record for their age group.
“Looking at the overall trend since the early 80s, we are still witnessing a gradual decline in the rate of suicide for the population as a whole. We will continue to monitor the recent increase, to help inform decision makers and others that are working to protect vulnerable people at risk.”
Sometimes suicide is perceived as a way for people to escape pain and suffering. Every suicide affects families, communities and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis. An individual may lose the ability to deal with their life pressures, such as relationship issues, financial problems, chronic pain or illness.
Help and support is available, you do not have to suffer alone. Talk to someone you trust. This could be a family member or your friends. You can talk to your GP or phone a helpline.
If you are worried about someone else, try to talk to them, just listening to what someone has to say can be helpful.
Creating a safety plan is also something you can do if you or someone you are supporting has suicidal thoughts. Click here to view information on how to make a safety plan.
Samaritans – for everyone open 24/7
Call 116 123
Email [email protected]
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men 5pm to midnight every day
Call 0800 58 58 58
Papyrus – for people under 35 Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm, weekends and bank holidays 2pm to 10pm
Call 0800 068 41 41
Text 07860 039967
Email [email protected]
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill
Read Samaritans’ tips on how to start a difficult conversation.
Rethink has advice on how to cope with suicidal thoughts and how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts.
Read more about Samaritans and what they do click here
Visit the website of the Centre for Suicide Prevention to read more about the stigma surrounding suicide https://www.suicideinfo.ca/resource/suicideandstigma/
Mind also provides information on planning for a mental health crisis
Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash
