Saturday the 10th of September marks World Suicide Prevention Day.
Discussing this sensitive and preventable topic can help destigmatise and get people to talk more openly.
Firstly some facts and stats.
Men are around three times as likely to commit suicide than women. Particularly men in the 40 to 50-year-old age group and from a lower socio-economic group.
If you have experienced low mental health or suicidal thoughts in the past, it is good to know your triggers, be honest with people you trust and ask for help. Knowing symptoms and understanding how to manage them could allow you to make a start on recovering good mental health.
Some people find that their physical health can be tied to mental health*, so exercise, a healthy diet and getting a good night's sleep could make a real difference. You can also check the NHS website for more detail.
Here is a list provided by Samaritans. This is by no means an exhaustive list but could give you potential ways to cope:
- try not to think about the future – just focus on getting through today
- stay away from drugs and alcohol
- get yourself to a safe place, like a friend's house
- be around other people
- do something you usually enjoy, such as spending time with a pet
*Physical activity and your mental health, (MIND, March 2019).
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
