Suicide is devastating. We never truly know the reasons as to why someone attempts to take their own life, however, it is clear that they feel that they can no longer go on.
Everyone has mental health and we need to ensure that we take good care of it, as we do our physical health. Statistics show that 1 in 4 of us struggle with our mental health, which equates to 1000 people of our ground attendance on a match day. Poor mental health affects everyone and does not discriminate against age or gender.
Suicide, is amongst the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and statistics have shown a significant increase for women taking their own lives since the start of the pandemic.
Whilst we cannot always save someone, there are some signs and symptoms that you can be mindful of, and it’s around changes in behaviour. For example:
· People talking openly about wanting to die
· Extreme mood swings
· Drinking more than they usually do
· Weight loss/weight gain
· Not sleeping properly
· Not engaging in daily life – such as being absent from work, not being present in usual social activities
· Easily becoming annoyed or frustrated
· Not taking care of their own personal hygiene
You might find it really awkward at first to have that conversation with someone, and you may feel fearful that you might put the idea into their head by talking about suicide. However, it is completely the opposite. If you were to ask someone ‘Have you recently thought about taking your own life or significantly harming yourself?’ The burden of secrecy is removed and shows that you are open to the conversation to be had.
You do not have to have all of the answers if someone is struggling, and you do not have to try and fix it for them, or convince them that there are other people worse off than them.
However, please do listen openly and without judgement, let them know that they are not on their own, and that there is support available for them.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, then please do call 999 or take them to the nearest A&E department.
If you're feeling like you want to die, it's important to tell someone. Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Other organisations that can help and support are as follows:
NHS Call 111, Choose Option 2
The Samaritans Tel: 116 123 www.samaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 www.thecalmzone.net
Shout
Text Shout to 85258 www.giveusashout.org
Mind MindInfoline:
0300 123 3393
Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141 Text – 07860 039967www.papyrus-uk.org
Kooth.com www.kooth.com For online counselling services
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk
YoungMinds
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 www.youngminds.org.uk
The Mix
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 www.themix.org.uk