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Today is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme focusses on working together to prevent suicide, with the aim of improving awareness of the significance of suicide, improving the knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide, reducing the stigma associated with suicide and most importantly, what can be done to let people who are struggling know that they are NOT alone.
Globally, around 800,000 people die from suicide each year1. Which means, every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide…..
In the UK, deaths by suicide rose by 11.8% in 2018. Statistics show men are three times more likely to die by suicide than woman, in fact, the highest suicide rate is among men ages 45-49. Suicide is the second cause of death for young people between ages 15-29 globally, similarly, the rate of deaths among under 25-year old’s has increased by 23.7% in the UK, which equivalates to 730 deaths in 20182.
These statistics show prevention is needed now more than ever. We can all help by simply checking in on our friends and family. Is there a friend you haven’t seen for a while or someone who has had noticeable changes in behavior? Is this person normally the life and sole of the party? If so, make them feel cared about, ask them for a coffee and a catch up. You never know, this could make a huge difference in how someone is feeling.
THE WARNING SIGNS:
Although suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss, it is important we become more aware of the possible warning signs. To help improve the knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide, we have provided a few possible warning signs to look out for3:
- Excessive sadness or moodiness
- Sudden calmness
- Changes in personality / appearance
- Dangerous or self-harm behavior
- Recent trauma
- Making Preparations / threatening suicide
SELF-CARE TIPS:
Although looking out for your friends and loved ones is important, ensuring you are looking after yourself is also crucial. Living with a mental illness yourself can be difficult. Here are some everyday wellbeing and self-care tips to help with general day-to-day life:
- Get at least 7 hours sleep
- Eat healthily
- Keep active
- Make time for yourself, take up a new hobby or even just spend the day watching Netflix!
Talk to someone you trust
IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED URGENT HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES CALL 999 OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST A&E DEPARTMENT
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW REQUIRES HELP
Help is always available 24/7:
- Contact the Samaritans on 116 123
- Contact NHS 111
- Speak to someone you trust, this could be a friend, family member or work colleague.
- Make an urgent appointment to see your GP
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