Suicide
Given the controversy that often surrounds suicide, people are sometimes unaware of whether the things they hear are facts or just rumours.
Fact
- Scotland's suicide rate is two thirds higher than in England and Wales.
- Every day around 2 people die by suicide in Scotland.
- Suicide affects people of all ages, genders and cultures.
- Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering.
Myth
- 'People who unsuccessfully attempt suicide are only seeking attention' - A large proportion of people who have previously attempted suicide go on to complete suicide.
- 'People talk about suicide but they won't really do it' - People who talk about having suicidal thoughts do attempt suicide. In many cases they have told someone about their suicidal feelings in the weeks prior to their death. Listening and supporting a person in these circumstances can save lives.
- 'Talking about suicide may encourage someone to make an attempt on their life' - Talking about suicide does not create or increase risk, it can actually help to reduce it. Bringing up the subject and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
If you are worried that somebody you know is feeling suicidal there are some warning signs you can keep a look out for:
Indicators of Risk
- Talking/threatening to hurt or kill oneself.
- Feeling hopeless, helpless or desperate.
- Signs of depression (loss of energy, appetite and interest in usual activities, change in sleep patterns, making negative comments about oneself).
- Engaging in reckless or risky behaviours.
- Withdrawing from social contacts.
What do I do?
- Take the person seriously, talk about suicide openly and listen to the person.
- Don't judge the person.
- Stay calm.
- Offer hope that there can be another solution.
- Seek support, both for yourself and for the suicidal person.
- Take immediate action to keep the person safe, remove any means they have of harming themselves.
If you are feeling suicidal:
- If you are feeling suicidal it is very important for you to talk to someone and tell them how you are feeling. This could be a family member, a friend, a health professional, a helpline, whoever you feel comfortable talking to.
- If you are at high risk of killing yourself right now you should contact the emergency services (999) immediately.
What are we doing in Shetland?
There are a number of initiatives in Shetland which aim to improve mental health and prevent suicide:
- Crisis Support Worker – based in Annsbrae House, working with individuals, supporting them with day to day issues that without additional support could potentially turn into a crisis situation.
- Dual Diagnosis Support Worker – based in the Community Mental Health Team, works with adults with mental health issues and alcohol dependency.
- Drugs Outreach Worker – works with over 16s who have chaotic lives due to drug dependency.
- Alcohol Worker – works with over 16s who have chaotic lives due to alcohol dependency.
- Training – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) delivered a minimum of 3 times a year.
Useful links
Related Issues
In some cases, suicidal feelings can be linked to other problems which are happening in a person's life. The following topics may be of interest to you:
Information & Education
Gaining information or learning about something is often a good first step to tackling your problems. Learn More
Useful links
Annsbrae House offers 8 supported accommodation tenancies together with a Skills Centre. There is a short break flat available and Social Care Workers provide an outreach service from Annsbrae House. The service is accessed through referral from the Community Mental Health Team.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is designed as a “suicide first aid” course. It teaches you to become more willing, ready and able to recognise and intervene effectively in order to help people at risk of suicide. ASIST operates as a consecutive two day workshop. The course dates for 2010 are:
Mon 26th & Tue 27th April;
Mon 20th & Tue 21st Sept;
Mon 15th & Tue 16th Nov
For further details see their website or email: margaret.birrell@nhs.net
www.chooselife.net/Training/ASIST/ASISTHome.asp
Anyone can feel down or depressed from time to time. If you feel like it’s all getting too much for you, it helps to get some breathing space. Just talking about it is a positive first step in getting help: call on 0800 83 85 87 or visit their website for more information
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
A confidential helpline service staffed by trained professionals who can give support, practical advice and information to anyone concerned about themselves or a young person they know who may be at risk. The helpline is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm and 7pm – 10pm, and 2pm – 5pm on weekends. Helpline: 0800 068 41 41
PAPYRUS is a UK charity committed to suicide prevention, focusing predominantly on the emotional well-being of children, teenagers and young adults. The Papyrus UK website provides information and advice for people who are feeling suicidal and for those who are concerned about the safety of others
www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Tel: 08457 90 90 90
jo@samaritans.org
SANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems. SANEline receives thousands of calls every year from people like you. Whether you are seeking information or the opportunity to share your feelings with someone, SANEline aims to give you the time and space to explore your situation, without judging or telling you what to do. Helpline: 0845 767 8000 SANE also operate an email support service
sanemail@sane.org.uk
SupportLine provides emotional support and information to children, young people and adults throughout the UK by a telephone helpline, email and post. The service is particularly aimed at those who are vulnerable, isolated, at risk and victims of any form of abuse. They deal with a wide range of issues including child abuse, self harm, eating disorders, domestic violence, mental health, anxiety, and depression. The Helpline number is: 01708 765200. For more information about Supportline you can go to: www.supportline.org.uk or email: info@supportline.org.uk
www.supportline.org.uk
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery
www.twloha.com/twloha-uk
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