Posted on: 5 September 2022
One in every 100 deaths, worldwide, is the result of suicide. In the UK and Ireland, every 90 minutes someone dies from suicide - over half before the age of 50. In 2021, there were 5,203 suicides in England and Wales; on average 18 a day.
We know that there are many risk factors for suicide including, self-harm, alcohol or drug misuse, multiple mental health diagnoses, living alone and history of domestic violence. Many people are facing financial difficulties with the rising cost of living and high energy bills; there is clear evidence that financial hardship is a risk factor for suicide.
Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. People bereaved by the sudden death of a friend or family member are 65% more likely to attempt suicide if the deceased died by suicide than if they died by natural causes.
‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
Preventing suicide is often possible and we are all key players. We can make a difference to someone in their most difficult times – as a member of society, as a colleague, as a friend, as a relative, we can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.
Stigma, even in our society today, still surrounds suicide, preventing people talking about their mental health and silencing those who most need to seek help. We need to reach out to those who we are concerned about, check that they are OK and help them to find the right support…we need to start the conversation.
What can you do?
Suicide is not inevitable; it is preventable. It has never been more important to be able to recognise when someone is struggling and experiencing suicidal thoughts, and to be able to intervene and help someone access the right support.
Remember, if you are concerned about someone, always ask about suicidal thoughts; evidence tells us that this does not increase a person’s risk. People who have felt suicidal will often say that it is a relief to be able to talk about their thoughts; this then allows you to agree a plan to keep them safe.
We highly recommend the Zero Suicide Alliance Training for everyone.
Please make a personal commitment to complete a short piece of training that will help you gain the skills and understanding to have a supportive conversation with someone who may be feeling suicidal. It will take just 20 minutes of your time through this ZSA Link.
It will:
- enable people to identify when someone is presenting with suicidal thoughts/behaviour
- to be able to speak out in a supportive manner
- and to be able to signpost the individual to the correct services or support
There is also a wealth of informative and helpful resources on the Zero Suicide Alliance website including a Suicide Prevention Resource Map and additional training including how to support someone who is alone and socially isolated - a strong risk factor for suicide. Log on to the ZSA website. You can also access the 20 minute training and could make a difference to someone’s life today.
World Suicide Prevention Day is sponsored by the World Health Organisation and is hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Find out more information.
World Suicide Prevention Day-Learning Event: Thursday 8 September: Book now - World Suicide Prevention Day Learning Event Tickets, Thu 8 Sep 2022 at 09:15 | Eventbrite
Harmless Suicide Bereavement Conference: Every Tuesday and Thursday between 6 September - 29 of September 2022, Harmless will be hosting a live online webinar session (10:00am to11:00 am) with an expert in the field of suicide bereavement. Book Tickets
Supporting People in Crisis - Helpful Resources.
Here is a list of the support available from a number of organisation on finances and the costs of living.
Here is a list of crisis support available from a number of organisations.