How Can I Support Someone Feeling They Want to End Their Life?

The death of someone through suicide is extremely deep and painful. This is often a choice made when a situation is too unbearable to handle. It can be hard to comprehend and to talk about. however, it is important that people are able to openly express their difficulties and experience of this

People need to feel that it is okay to share that they are lost, are in pain and are struggling and to know that there is hope and support

Sadly, it is not possible to save everyone, who may choose to take his / her life, however we can develop a community where people in need can feel heard and supported

How can you support someone who wants to end their life or is in deep distress?

Look out for any signs such as withdrawal, apathy,self-harm, sense of hopelessness, actions in saying goodbye / making plans for after death??????????

?Listen without Judgement?

?Let the person know:

1. That you and support services are there whenever they need to talk or want help
2. It's okay for them to express their pain
3. They are not alone
4. They can try to take each day as it comes
5. Being active and avoiding being alone is important and can make a difference
6. Relief from their pain or fear may seem like the only option, but it’s possible that things can change even though it doesn’t feel like it now
7. They should not wait to reach out for support
8. You care and that they matter
9. You respect and appreciate their trust in talking
10. Consult with a helpline /emergency service if you fear someone may act to take his / her life

List of Support Resources

The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (TASC) www.tasc-uk.org

The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (TASC) is an alliance of the leading charities dealing with suicide prevention and mental health issues. The TASC website is an educational and resource hub. We do not provide direct services.

PAPYRUS?www.papyrus-uk.org

PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through our helpline, HOPELINEUK. Papyrus engage communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and deliver training programmes to individuals and groups Their aim is to shape national social policy and make a significant contribution to the local and regional implementation of national suicide prevention strategies

Papyrus have developed a series of suicide awareness raising and training packages to suit different needs and audiences

National Suicide Prevention Alliance www.nspa.org.uk

An alliance of public, private, voluntary and community organisations in England who care about suicide prevention and are willing to take action to reduce suicide and support those affected by suicide.

Suicide Awareness Training (SAT) plans to deliver courses to the public health, emergency and private sectors, schools and to hold public awareness courses through the year

MIND??www.mind.org.uk

Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding

YOUNDMINDS www.youngminds.org.uk

Promote and support good mental health and the needs children and young people

NHS www.nhs.uk

Provides useful information and tips and contact details on dealing with a range of mental health issues

Samaritans www.samaritans.org

Provide telephone and face-to-face support for anyone in emotional distress

SANE www.sane.org.uk

SANE is one of the UK’s leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness.

Time to change www.time-to-change.org.uk

Time to Change is a growing social movement working to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems

Rethink www.rethink.org

A national organisation, which works to change attitudes towards mental health. Provides advice, information and support services

Caroline Ribeiro-Nelson is Head of Free Choices:Diverse Mental Health. Caroline is a Mental Health Consultant, qualified and highly experienced in psychotheray, coaching, and training. She has been providing support services for over 25 years to businesses and organaisations, assisting to build mentally healthier, inclusive and productive work cultures

www.freechoices.co.uk