Suicide Awareness
SPRING IS PEAK TIME FOR SUICIDE
To dispel some myths around suicide:
People who talk about suicide never attempt or complete suicide.
People who talk about their suicidal thoughts may also attempt suicide. Many people who complete suicide have told someone about their suicidal feelings in the weeks prior to their death. Listening to and supporting people in these circumstances can save lives.
If somebody wants to end their life, they will, and there is nothing anybody can do about it.
Most people contemplating suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering. Although there are some occasions when nobody could have predicted a suicide, in many cases a tragic outcome may be averted if appropriate help and support are offered to a person and they are willing to accept this help.
Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts.
Serious talk about suicide does not create or increase risk; it can help to reduce it. The best way to identify the possibility of suicide is to ask directly. Openly listening to and discussing someone’s thoughts of suicide can be a source of relief for them and can be key to preventing the immediate danger of suicide.
Some people are always suicidal.
Some groups, sub-cultures or ages are particularly associated with suicide. While some groups, such as young men, seem to be at increased risk, suicide can affect all ages, across gender and cultures. Many people think about suicide in passing at some time or another. There isn’t a ‘type’ for suicide, and while there may be warning signs, they aren’t always noticed. While those who have made an attempt on their own life in the past can be at increased risk of completing suicide, with appropriate help and support, people can and do move on in their lives.
If a person has made previous attempts they won’t do it for real.
Those who have attempted suicide once are at increased risk of attempting again. They need to be taken seriously and given support and help to find a safe resolution for their suicidal thoughts and actions.
When a person shows signs of feeling better, the danger is over.
Often the risk of suicide can be greatest as depression lifts, or when a person appears calm after a period of turmoil. This can be because once a decision to attempt suicide is made, people may feel they have found a solution, however desperate it may be.
In need of help now?
Mental Health Services available 24/7:
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Access Team:
Telephone: 0300 123 0907 and press option 1
or 07739 775 202.
|