World Suicide Prevention Day
Every year on September 10th, organisations across the globe come together to raise awareness on how we can all help to prevent suicide.
In the past 6 months alone, people have been dealing with the difficulties of social distancing and isolation, fear of contamination, bereavement, economic uncertainty and social inequalities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the recent events in the United States.
In fact, a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggested that depression rates had doubled in the UK, especially among young people, women, people with a disability and those who might struggle to meet an unexpected expense.
The results of the survey cannot provide a formal diagnosis, but what it does suggest is that people are certainly feeling more vulnerable these days than ever before.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we reflect on some of the warning signs that might indicate a person might be in danger or in need of urgent help:
- Talking about being a burden to others or feeling hopeless, or about wanting to die
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Looking for ways to end one’s life
- Recklessness or having extreme mood swings
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Suicide can be prevented.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are ways to get help.
For immediate help, call the Samaritans hotline 116123
Or visit the NHS Help for Suicidal Thoughts website for support:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
For information on how you can get involved in raising awareness to help prevent suicide, visit the official 2020 World Suicide Prevention Day website here.
