World Suicide Prevention Day - 10th September 22
One in five adults consider suicide in their life time.
The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2018, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy.
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.
And we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable. There is still a massive stigma around suicide which prevents people from talking about how they are feeling.
70% of suicide are caused by unemployment or money worries.
All we hear is the issues around the cost of living crisis? How are the people you love coping?
By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide.
Its ok not to be ok!
What can you do to make a difference?
W = Watch Out for signs of Distress
A = Ask ‘Are you you having suicidal thoughts’
I = It will PASS - Assure your loved one that, with help, their suicidal thoughts will pass with time
T = Talk to others - Encourage your loved one to seek help from a GP or health professional
What signs should you be looking for?
What they may say……..
They are a burden
They have no reason to live
Feeling trapped
Experiencing unbearable pain
Killing themselves
How they may behave?
Withdrawing from activities
Acting reckless
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Increased use of drugs or alcohol
Sleeping to much or to little
Their Mood……..
Depressed
Loss of interest
Rage
Anxiety
Irritability
Help lines and other resources
Samaritans - 24/7 - Call - 116 123 - SMS - SHOUT - 85258
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention - Prevention of Young Suicide - HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141