World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

by Leanne Kindley -
Number of replies: 0

2020 World Suicide Prevention Day banner in English

World Suicide Prevention Day - 10th September 2020

What is it? 
World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on the 10th September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide with various activities around the world. Every year organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. 

Why should we talk about suicide safely? 
Let's talk about suicide prevention - Podcast 

What can you do?

  • Mental Health Online Zoom Suicide Prevention:  Join Zoom from 10am - 12pm on 10th September to learn more about suicide prevention and honour World Suicide Prevention Day. "Join us on World Suicide Prevention Day to learn more about ways you can support those feeling suicidal and save a life" Click here to book your place

  • Take a Minute discusses how reaching out to someone could change the course of another’s life.

signs

In the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women.  While there has been a reduction in the number of people completing suicide over the last ten years, the numbers are still worryingly high.  World Suicide Prevention Day aims to start the conversation about suicide and to show that recovery is possible. 

What are thoughts of suicide?
How can I look after myself?
Where can I get help?
How do I start a conversation about suicide?
How to cope with suicidal feelings
Alternative thoughts worksheet
Coping with suicidal thoughts
Distraction techniques 
Coping strategies 
Suicide safety plan
Hopebook

For many people, telling those close to them that they are experiencing thoughts of suicide can be incredibly difficult. How do we know if someone is thinking about suicide? We cannot be certain without asking directly. There are often ‘signs’ we can look out for which indicate someone could be considering ending their life and it’s time to ask.

Signs can manifest in many ways. Someone having thoughts of suicide may be giving away possessions, withdrawing socially, acting impulsively or self-harming. You may have noticed that they are feeling hopeless, sad, lonely, angry or worthless. Perhaps they are displaying physical changes, such as self-neglect, a disrupted sleep pattern or loss of appetite. They may be struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder. Someone who is suicidal may also express this through verbal cues: “everyone will be better off without me”, “all of my problems will end soon”, “I just can’t take it anymore”, “I want to die”.

Are you worried about someone? Asking a direct question about thoughts of suicide can be really difficult. Conversation Starters can help you to reach out to someone and ask them about suicide. Check out the PAPYRUS website for ways to start the conversation.

Worried about someone?
Video - Feeling Suicidal Talk 
Traffic light safety prompts
It's time to talk about suicide

MYTH - Having thoughts of suicide is just a 'phase' young people go through
FACT - Thoughts of suicide can come and go and affect anyone at any age

MYTH - If someone is having thoughts of suicide they want to die
FACT - Many people who have thoughts of suicide want to end their pain, rather than their life

MYTH - If I talk about suicide it might put the idea in their head
FACT - Talking about suicide does not make someone suicidal 

MYTH - If someone has a 'good life' they can't feel suicidal
FACT - Anyone can have thoughts of suicide

MYTH - Talking about suicide is selfish
FACT - Many people thinking about suicide believe the world would be better off without them

MYTH - If a young person is having thoughts of suicide they are going to die
FACT - Many young people who experience thoughts of
suicide go on to recover

  • Every year around 800,000 people die by suicide globally
  • In the UK in 2018 there was 6,507 deaths by suicide
  • Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK

If you are feeling suicidal it's important to TELL SOMEONE 

  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Let family / friends know what's going on - they may be able to offer support and make you feel safe
  • There's no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings - starting the conversation is what's important
  • If you have seriously harmed yourself or don't feel safe call 999 or go straight to A&E
  • Call Papyrus - 0800 068 41 41
  • Call Samaritans - 116 123
    Suicide prevention: WAIT | Mental Health Foundation
Talking to someone with suicidal feelings
If someone tells us they are suicidal, it can be hard to know what to say. Here are a few tips about how to have those conversations:

  • Ask open questions - These are questions that invite someone to say more than yes or no. Such as: how are you feeling? or what happened next?
  • Try not to judge - It's important not to blame the person for how they are feeling. They may have taken a big step by telling you
  • Take them seriously - People who talk about suicide do sometimes act on their feelings - it's best to assume they're telling the truth about feeling suicidal
  • Give them time - You might find it difficult to hear their answers, but it helps if you let them take the time they need
  • Don't skirt around the topic - Talking about suicide can still feel taboo, but asking direct questions like 'are you having thoughts of suicide' or 'have you felt like you want to end your life' can help someone talk 

  • If your worried someone's at immediate risk of taking their life, it's best to:
    - Stay with them
    - Encourage them to ring Samaritans for free on 116 123
    - Go to the nearest A&E
    - Call 999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support

The Tomorrow Project is a confidential suicide prevention project that has been set up to support individuals and communities to prevent suicide

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - Gives callers a chance to talk confidentially with someone who has been bereaved by suicide, to ask questions, and know you’re not alone.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 9pm
Helpline: 0300 111 5065
Website: www.uksobs.org Email: sobs.support@hotmail.com

Papyrus - Hopeline UK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide 
Call: 0800 068 41 41 / 07860 039967
Email: pay@papyrus-uk.org 

Samaritans - Call free on 116 123 (24 hours a day)

Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free 24/7 crisis support. Text YM to 85258

The Mix - If you are under 25 you can contact them free via phone, online chat or email
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm daily)

Childline - If you are under 19 you can confidentially call, email or talk online about any problem you may be having
Helpline: 0800 1111 

42nd Street - Provide online support and they also do referrals. On their website, it states “if you are struggling with your mental health and would like to speak with a mental health practitioner call us Monday – Friday 9.30-5 and ask to speak to a duty practitioner on 0161 228 7321. 
Call: 0161 228 732.

CALM - (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Helpline: 0800  58 58 58 (5pm-midnight 365 days a year) or online webchat 

Shout - Text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hour text service) 

SANE emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.
Helpline: 0300 304 7000 (Helpline open 4.30pm-10.30pm).


Email our Student Welfare Officer - Leanne
support@futureworks.ac.uk 

Instagram: @futureworks_studentservices