Every year, it’s reported that more than 6000 people die by suicide in the UK, and this doesn’t include the number of people who attempt to take their own lives. For every suicide, a whole network of family members and friends are left to come to terms with their loss; it’s predicted that approximately 135 people are affected by every one suicide.
On the 10th September, organisations and communities from around the world come together for World Suicide Prevention Day, to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people take their own lives. This year, the theme is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’, with a call to action to ‘start the conversation’, encouraging people to have open and honest discussions about mental health and suicide.
Although talking about suicide is a lot more accepted than it used to be, there can still be a certain stigma around the subject. This means it can be difficult for people to open up when they’re struggling, as they may feel shame or judgement from others. Generally, men are less likely to seek help for their mental health than women, and three times as many men die by suicide (we’ve written about support for men here).
We know what we need to do to reduce stigma around suicide; we need to talk about it. The less stigma there is, the more people will feel comfortable asking for help, which could ultimately prevent them from taking their own life.
Thoughts about suicide
Thoughts like ‘I don’t want to be here anymore’ and ‘It would be easier if I didn’t wake up tomorrow’ can pop into our heads when we’re going through a difficult or stressful situation, or experiencing a low mood. Usually, these thoughts are just fleeting and we don’t intend to act on them, however if the thoughts persist, they can be a sign of a mental health issue.
Although the link between mental health disorders and suicide is well established, suicide isn’t always the result of a mental health issue. The WHO website points out that many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis, due to life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-ups, or chronic pain and illness.
Whether you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts due to a mental health issue or a very difficult time in your life, there is help available. Remember, you matter and your life is important. Don’t suffer in silence, let someone know how you’re feeling.
Seeking help for suicidal thoughts
Before we go any further, it’s important to say that if you're in crisis and you require urgent support, please dial 999 or go to your nearest A&E. Alternatively, if you experience thoughts or feelings about not wanting to be alive, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling free on 116 123.
If you’ve been having thoughts about suicide, make an appointment with your GP, who will be able to refer you to the appropriate mental health service. Depending on your situation, you might be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
CBT can be used to treat a range of common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). During CBT, you’ll learn practical skills to manage your mental health, both in the short and long-term. At ieso, we offer typed CBT, available for free when referred through NHS Talking Therapies.
Typed CBT is where the patient and therapist ‘speak’ by typing back and forward via a secure online platform. You can join a session from your home, or wherever you feel most comfortable, as long as you have an internet connection. If you’d prefer to speak to someone face-to-face, we also offer video calls in some areas. Find out more about CBT with ieso.
Useful helpline numbers:
Mental health affects us all. This means it's essential that mental health services are equally available to everyone, everywhere. This World Mental Health Day, 10th October, we explore the right to access care.
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