Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide Prevention Week should be every week

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, yet it's often shrouded in silence. The 8th - 14th of September is Suicide Prevention Week, which is an essential initiative aimed at raising awareness, continuing to break the stigma, and encourage OPEN conversations around mental health. Although Suicide Prevention Week is particularly crucial in providing an opportunity to educate, support, and help prevent the tragic loss of life, we should be highlighting this initiative every - single - week.

?? The Global Impact of Suicide

Suicide has a devastating and long-lasting impact, not only on those who take their lives but also on the people around them. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO);

• Around 726,000 people die by suicide every year—that’s one person every 43.45 seconds.

Let me repeat this for the people at the back .... that's SEVEN HUNDRED & TWENTY SIX THOUSAND people -- per YEAR!!

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally.

In England and Wales alone, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that:

• There were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2023; this is an increase compared with 2022 (10.7 deaths per 100,000, or 5,642 deaths) and the highest rate seen since 1999.
• Males continued to account for around three-quarters of suicide deaths registered in 2023 (4,506 male deaths; 1,563 female deaths), a trend seen since the mid-1990s.

Men are at a significantly higher risk. This is due, in part, to societal pressures and stigmas that prevent men from seeking help.

• In 2023, suicide rates for males (17.4 deaths per 100,000) and females (5.7 per 100,000) increased to their highest levels since 1999 and 1994, respectively.

Sadly, the data below shows that The North West had the highest suicide rate registered in 2023.

?? Risk Factors and Causes

While each suicide case is complex and unique, there are common risk factors associated with it. These factors can be broadly categorised into psychological, social, and environmental triggers:

???? Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are closely linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

???? Social Isolation: A lack of social support and feelings of loneliness can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.

???? Financial Strain: Economic instability and unemployment can trigger extreme stress, contributing to suicidal thoughts.

???? Relationship Breakdown: Divorce, separation, or issues with family or friends can lead to emotional distress.

???? Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug misuse can impair judgment, increasing impulsivity and the likelihood of suicidal behaviour.

?? The Importance of Suicide Prevention

The crux of Suicide Prevention Week is intervention, providing resources, support, and outreach to individuals at risk. It's important to remember that suicide is preventable, and one of the most effective methods of prevention is open conversation. Here’s how everyone can contribute:

?? Recognise the Signs ~ Recognising early warning signs like withdrawal, talking about wanting to die, or drastic mood changes can help identify those at risk.

?? Promote Mental Health ~ Encourage individuals to seek help from mental health professionals and access support networks can help prevent crises from escalating.

?? Create Supportive Environments ~ Workplaces, schools, and communities should encourage an atmosphere of openness where people feel psychologically safe and comfortable discussing mental health issues without fear of judgment.

By tackling stigma and offering compassion and support, we can ALL encourage those suffering in silence to seek help.

?? But what are the challenges in Suicide Prevention

While progress has been made, several challenges still impede effective suicide prevention efforts:

?? Stigma ... Many people still hesitate to talk about their mental health or seek professional help due to stigma. Suicide is often considered taboo, further isolating those who are at risk.

?? Accessibility to Services ... In some areas, particularly rural regions, access to mental health services is limited. Long waiting lists or understaffed services create barriers to timely intervention.

?? Awareness and Education ... Not everyone knows the warning signs of suicide or how to approach someone they suspect is at risk. Much greater education and public awareness campaigns are needed.

?? There is Help

?? If your company provide an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), use their services.

?? If, like Dootrix, your company has trained Workplace Mental Health First Aiders, reach out to them in confidence.

But there are also other resources available which offer support 24/7. You can visit Mind for additional resources or;

?? Call Samaritans on 116 123

?? Text SHOUT to 85258 (Give us a Shout)

?? Call 999?for an ambulance ; Go straight to A&E if you can or Call your local crisis team, if you have their number.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).

If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you. Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.