Kick off the conversation
World Suicide Prevention Day
Nationally and internationally, we are facing a mental health crisis.
In England alone, a staggering 1 in 6 people will experience negative mental health every week and only 50% of these actually talk about it (Mental Health Foundation).
1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts (NHS Digital)
1 in 15 people attempt suicide (Mind)
45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, (Samaritans)
It’s not just about the statistics though, it’s about real people and real experiences, which is what the foundation mental health charity, Brave Mind, was built upon. Mental health as a topic has always been seen as a big taboo, and today it’s a huge challenge to shift this mentality to help those struggling with their mental health and recognise when someone around you might need help.
This September, it’s Suicide Prevention month, and with the guidance of Samaritan’s, Mind and the NHS, we’d like to help you or one of your friends/family notice the signs and to normalise the conversation around suicide. Sometimes the most challenging thing is being able to say it.
Today, the message we’re sharing is: What Should People Do (WSPD)
Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone’s struggling to cope.
Speak up to let someone know that there is support available.
Play your part by reaching out to anyone you’re concerned about.
Ditch the stigma – suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know – so let’s talk about it!
20% of us have suicidal thoughts, if you are one of them, you are not alone, nor do you need to face it alone. Help and support is available right now if you need it. Talk to a friend or family member, text or call the helplines available which can be found on the NHS website.
Along with this, there are several coping mechanisms you can try:
Connection with people and nature – we are social creatures evolved to be outside. Spending time with a friend or outdoors can shift our focus, bring about a sense of calm and reduce feelings of stress.
Breathing – a simple deep breath through the nose and out through the mouth can soothe the nervous system and bring about a sense of calm and control.
Distraction techniques – that work for you, for example, listening to music or a hobby
Movement – being active releases certain chemicals in your brain that can helpfully shift your mood and how you feel about yourself.
Pause – using a pause button is useful to not act on the thoughts. Feelings are temporary and sometimes focussing on something that is real - such as grounding techniques - what can I see / hear/ touch- being in the present can enable those strong feelings to pass.
Journalling – there is power in the pen, with writing being a helpful way to break away from the nonstop cycle of obsessive thinking and brooding.
We hope these help – please remember it’s about finding the things that work for you at that time and take one day at a time. Just focusing on today can help reduce anxiety and perceived burden.
If you are the family or friend someone has confided in or you may be concerned that they are thinking about it, it can be very distressing and challenging to know what to do, but please remain calm, there are lots of things that might help.
You could:
Encourage them to talk about their feelings, give them a chance to talk and listen without judgement
Remind them, “I’m here for you,” “I care,” “You’re not alone”
Gently encourage them in the direction of support. If someone is actively suicidal, professional intervention is needed immediately
Asking directly “Are you thinking about taking your own life?” can be very helpful, particularly in moments of crises. There is no need to avoid the elephant in the room
Offer practical support
Help them think of ideas for self-help
Help make safety plans for when suicidal thoughts recur
Taken from charity, Mind, ‘The main aspect of supporting someone through this is compassion, listening and most importantly not overreacting or becoming upset. Remaining calm and talking the situation through is extremely important.’
If you need further guidance, please reach out and remember, these feelings will pass. You’re not alone. Please contact and kick off the conversation:
NHS -111
Samaritans – 116 123