Around the world Suicide is and remains a serious issue
Many statistics show that still too many people are losing their lives to Suicide. Many people of all ages and from all walks of life experience suicidal thoughts at one time or another.
While facts and figures are available related to suicide what these numbers cannot reflect is the invisible impacts of suicide, this often referred to as the ripple effect that follows a person taking their own life.
This ripple effect is where friends, families and communities who are left behind spend time trying to make sense and understand their loss.
Every suicide is a tragedy and has long lasting effects on the people left behind.
The link between suicide and mental health related issues is well documented, areas such depression and alcohol use can increase the chance of a person attempting to or taking their own life.
Other factors can be due to a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as relationship breakups, financial problems or chronic pain and illness or a person could be experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss.
In that moment when a person is feeling suicidal it is common for them to feel like they'll never be happy again and how long these feelings will last is different for everyone.
With the right treatment and support interventions which would look to include self-care people who once felt suicidal can go on to live fulfilling lives.
Recognising that suicide rates are high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as the those in the LGBTQIA+ community, refugees and migrants and prisoners.
Suicide is preventable and when most people are feeling suicidal, they don't want to die, they just simply don't want to live with the pain that they are experiencing in their life any longer.
Learning to spot the warning signs to help identify and support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and openly talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings can help save a life.
Few people often attempt to take their own life without letting others know first how they are feeling. This is often given in code but is a cry for help, when recognised these distress signals can be used to save lives.
There are many barriers when it comes to talking to someone about how you are feeling, you may feel unable to tell someone, unsure of who to talk to, concerned that they won't understand how you feel or that you are being serious, or fearful that you will be judged.
The sooner you let someone know how you are feeling the quicker you will be able to get help and support to work through and overcome these feelings.
You deserve support
It is important to remember that you deserve support, you are not alone and that there is support out there.
Our resource section here provides direct links to support services for those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Our resource section also provides direct links for those who are in a support role, supporting someone else who has or is experiencing suicide related issues.
The Samaritans
Help and support 24/7 365 days a year.
Call 116123
Suicide Prevention UK
Supporting those at risk of suicide throughout the UK
Helpline 08006895652
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Mind Out
LGBTQ Mental Health Service
https://mindout.org.uk/get-support/suicide-prevention/
The Mix
Essential Support for Under 25’s
Papyrus
Prevention of Young Suicide
Helpline 08000 684 141
Text line 07860 039 967
Shout
Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope
Text Shout to 85258
Suicide Bereavement Support
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
UK Based organisation offering peer led support to adults impacted by suicide loss
Support After Suicide
The Support After Suicide Partnership brings together suicide bereavement organisations and people with lived experience, to achieve a vision that everyone bereaved or affected by suicide is offered timely and appropriate support
https://supportaftersuicide.org.uk/
Amparo
Support after Suicide
Supporting Someone Else
Mental Health Foundation
Information on Suicide Prevention
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/suicide-prevention
The Samaritans
Information if you're worried about someone else
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-worried-about-someone-else/myths-about-suicide/
Mind
Information to support someone else