Let’s talk about suicide prevention

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the effects can be devastating. Suicidal ideation is a serious and complex issue that can impact individuals, families, and communities. However, suicide is preventable, and there is help available for those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings.

By taking action, you could save a life.

More than 720 000 people die by suicide every year. For each suicide, there are an estimated 20 suicide attempts. Suicide can occur at any stage of life and in all regions of the world. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally (World Health Organisation).

Know the warning signs

It’s important to be aware of the warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide. Not everyone will display changes in their behaviour or express their feelings (appearing perfectly ‘normal’), which can make it difficult for anyone to intervene and help them. Pay close attention if you notice any of these signs, especially new or unusual behaviours.

• Changes in behaviour – This can include withdrawing socially or isolating themselves, losing interest in activities or previous hobbies, having intense mood swings or anxiety, or displaying risky or reckless behaviour.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness – This includes expressions of hopelessness, including feeling like a burden to others, believing things won’t get better, or seeing problems as insurmountable or inescapable.
• Giving away possessions – This may be in preparation for a suicide attempt, to reduce the impact on others when sorting through their belongings after death. They may also give loved ones valued items to ‘remember’ them by.
• Talking about death or suicide – A preoccupation with death, like talking about dying or suicide, looking for ways to end one’s life, or saying goodbye to loved ones.
• Engaging in risky behaviours – This includes drug and alcohol abuse, reckless driving, unsafe sexual practices, criminal activity and dangerous hobbies

How do I help?

If you believe that someone you know may be suicidal, it can be difficult to know what to do or how to help them. It is very important to take the warning signs seriously.

Finding out that someone close to you is thinking of suicide can be very distressing or worrying for you (and everyone involved). You may feel sad, overwhelmed or uncertain about how best to support them during this challenging time. It’s understandable that you may also need support from your family, friends, or a professional.

If you notice these warning signs in someone you know, it is important to reach out to offer support, encourage them to talk openly to you, and contact their GP. If you are under 18, tell a trusted adult and ask them to do this.

How to approach someone who may be suicidal

Asking somebody whether they are thinking about suicide does not make it more likely that they will act on their suicidal thoughts.

If you suspect that someone is considering suicide, don’t be afraid to ask them directly. Avoiding the issue could reinforce any belief that they may have that no one cares about them. Here are some do’s and don’t’s for having this difficult conversation:

Do:

• Ask plainly ‘are you thinking about killing yourself?’
• Listen without judgement and offer your full presence
• Tell them ‘I’m here for you’, ‘I care’, and ‘you’re not alone’

Don’t:

• Argue or debate reasons for dying vs. living
• Act shocked, lecture them, or invalidate them (eg. Saying that their feelings are foolish)
• Promise secrecy or that things will get better on their own

Tell the person that you want to help keep them safe (even if they ask you not to do anything). They need care and support right now, which could mean calling emergency services or a suicide helpline.

Offering support to someone with suicidal thoughts

If someone confides that they’ve been thinking of suicide, it’s essential to get professional help, especially if they have a plan or means for attempting suicide.

Give them a chance to talk

• Ask gentle, open questions like ‘what thoughts have been going through your mind?’ and let them guide the conversation. Don’t worry about silences.
• Avoid asking ‘why?’, which can sound like blaming. They also may not have answers.

Listen without judgement

• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong. Understand that this seems like the only choice for them right now.
• Accept all their feelings as valid – anger, sadness, shame, hopelessness, etc.

Offer hope

• Remind them that there are always alternatives and that this pain is temporary
• Remind them that they’ve overcome difficulties before
• Help them to identify reasons for living, such as family, friends, or something that is important to them.

Your support can encourage people to keep going until they can access help, but it cannot replace professional treatment.

Source: Mind

Getting help for a suicidal person

If someone is actively suicidal, professional intervention is needed immediately.

If they are in immediate danger:

• Call 999 or NHS 111 and ask for an ambulance if you are with them but cannot drive them
• Take them to A&E if they will go willingly
• Call 999 if you must leave them alone at any point. Tell the operator that the person needs a welfare check.
• Call Samaritans (24hr): 116 123

Non-emergency support options:

• Encourage them to call their GP and book an emergency appointment, and go with them to the appointment to discuss their suicide risk (if you can).
• Call CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (every day, 5pm-midnight)
• Text Young Minds: Text YM to 85258 (24hr)
• Text SHOUT to 85258 (24hr)

Ask what they think could help – psychotherapy, medication, support groups? Support them in seeking different treatments until they find an approach that works for them.

Think: Prevention. Intervention. Awareness. Compassion.

Concerned about a loved one? Get in touch