Published on: 4th September 2017
Every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. Behind these statistics are the individual stories of those who have, for many different reasons, questioned the value of their own lives.
Each one of these individuals is part of a community. Some may be well linked in to this community, and have a network of family, friends and work colleagues or school mates. Others may be less well connected, and some may be quite isolated. Regardless of the circumstances, communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable.
This sentiment is reflected in the theme of the this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September: ‘Take a minute, change a life.’
As members of communities, it is our responsibility to look out for those who may be struggling, check in with them, and encourage them to tell their story in their own way and at their own pace. Offering a gentle word of support and listening in a non-judgmental way can make all the difference.
People who have moved passed feelings of suicide often describe realising that they did not want to die but instead wanted someone to intervene and stop them. Many say that they actively sought someone who would sense their despair and ask them whether they were okay. Almost universally, they say that if someone had taken a minute, the trajectory that they were on could have been interrupted.
Life is precious and sometimes precarious. Taking a minute to reach out to someone – a complete stranger or close family member or friend – can change the course of their life.
We know that people are often reluctant to intervene, even if they are quite concerned about someone. There are many reasons for this, not least that they fear they will not know what to say. It is important to remember, however, that there is no hard and fast formula. Individuals who have come through an episode of severe suicidal thinking often say that they were not looking for specific advice, but that compassion and empathy from others helped to turn things around for them and point them towards recovery.
Another factor that deters people from starting the conversation is that they worry that they may make the situation worse. Again, this hesitation is understandable; broaching the topic of suicide is difficult and there is a myth that talking about suicide with someone can put the idea into their head or trigger the act. The evidence suggests that this is not the case. Being caring and listening with a non-judgemental ear are far more likely to reduce distress than exacerbate it.
Last year the Trust, in collaboration with the Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Steering Group, launched our Lincolnshire Suicide SAFE campaign which asked people to take the time to ask #RUOK?
This year we want to once again spread the word about how important it is that people feel confident to talk to someone who might be struggling and that there are lots of resources available that can help start the conversation.
Our website www.lpft.nhs.uk/suicidesafe has lots of great hints and tips, as well as information about organisations and websites that can help further.
We will also be asking organisations and clubs to get involved and pledge their commitment to become Lincolnshire Suicide SAFE champions and raise awareness of what everyone can do to help to prevent suicide.
So please have a read through these resources and share with your family and friends to help spread the word across Lincolnshire.
