The 10th Of  September was National Suicide  Awareness Day, all of September is suicide awareness month and whilst it's a great opportunity to start conversations around suicide and keep conversations going.

 I do believe that is something that we should be talking about all year round in Ireland.

According to the National Suicide Research Foundation, suicides have declined ever so slightly, which is encouraging. Of course, hopefully that is down to people learning more about suicide and knowing how to react when they come across someone who is suicidal. However, we're still the 17th highest in Europe and it's still the highest cause of death for males under 25 years of age. So we do still have an issue, especially in our young people.
I wanted to take a bit of time, not talk too much about statistics and speak about how to create a conversation with someone. Just by being there and listening and showing that you care can help. Here are a few examples.

Choose a good time. Go somewhere without any distractions.
Use open ended questions that need more than a yes no answer, just to gauge how they really are feeling.

How are things? I've noticed you don't seem quite yourself. Listen to the answer.
Take on board what they are saying.

Please try and not give your views of what is wrong or what they should do, or try to fix it.

It's normal to feel nervous speaking to someone about suicide. However, you don't have to have all the answers. The key is to listen.

Take on board what they're saying. Reassure them that you will get help and support if they need it, and find the proper health and support. You can do this online or in your local GPs or somebody that you know.

Don't be afraid to ask the question, are you feeling suicidal? Do you have a plan?
This will not make anybody more suicidal. In fact, it will help gain clarity in the situation and what help that person needs. There are amazing trainings available assist mental health, first aid, Samaritans awareness, depression. So it is really important that we understand suicide and work together to keep reducing the numbers here in Ireland.

We all experience highs and lows in life talking about how we are feeling can be helpful understanding our feeling and reducing the impact. I also believe that as well as encouraging people to reach out for support we need to reach in also and ask people how are you? Quite often when you are feeling low you do not have the ability to reach out this can be for many reasons not understanding why you are feeling that way, maybe feeling like a burden or that you would not be understood. 

If you see a change in some ones behavior reach to them and ask how they are . Appearing withdraw, increased alcohol intake, Displaying extreme mood swings, Eating or sleeping more or less these are just some signs of behavior's when you could ask how they are.

Remember you do not have to have the answers you just need to listen and seek help. Here are some numbers for support.

  • 1800 700 700
    1800700700 national office for suicide prevention
  •  1850 60 90 90 Samaritans
  • 1800247247 Pieta House

 

 

 

 

 







Emma Weaver

www.mentalwealthinternational.com

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