World Suicide Prevention Day – What is it and why is it important?

Yearly an estimated 703,000 take their lives from suicide worldwide.

In the UK suicide is the single most common cause of death for men under 50. Men are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than any other means.

Suicide is not inevitable and can be prevented with the correct support. World suicide prevention day is a day that the whole world can stop and think about raising awareness of this issue and the struggles men face that lead them to take their own life. For more information on this see our what’s worrying you section here

This years theme is focusing on “Changing the Narrative.” This means breaking the silence around suicide. Talking about it has always been tough. One of the major problems is that we are not very good at raising the subject to someone if we think they are struggling. Similarly the man struggling does not always know how to ask for help. Changing the narrative can be asking the direct question “Are you thinking of taking your own life?” You will not put the idea in to their head infact It can save lives and shift how we all think about suicide.

If you are struggling and are unsure how to get it off your chest take a look at I feel suicidal | Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (thecalmzone.net) there is a lot of helpful information here 

For hints and tips on how to have the conversation with someone you are worried about visit the Samaritans   Little tips for helping someone open up when something’s up | Samaritans

Suicide is still treated as a very taboo subject. Take a look at some of our Myth Busters highlighting some misinformation.

Myth busters

Myth: You can’t ask someone if they’re suicidal

Fact: Evidence shows asking someone if they’re suicidal could protect them. Asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts can give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden.

Myth: Men who are feeling suicidal appear very sad and are not able to laugh or have fun.

Fact: Many men struggle with suicidal feelings and appear to be very happy and functional, going about everyday tasks like nothing is worrying them. It’s so important to ask that mate who appears fine how they really are especially if there has been some changes in their life like a breakup or bereavement.

Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.

Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they just want the situation they’re in or the way they’re feeling to stop. The distinction may seem small, but it is very important. It’s why talking through other options at the right time is so vital. The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die – they just want the situation they’re in or the way they’re feeling to stop.

Need help now

If you need urgent mental health support call Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 free phone crisis line

0800 051 1508   – Free to call from both landlines and mobiles

The Help line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support including children and young people.

Need to offload to someone?

24/7 support via phone

Samaritans are there to listen and are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year call 116 123 for FREE

24/7 support via text

Struggling to cope and need to talk you can text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for FREE 24/7 support provided by SHOUT