10 September 2024

Please note that this post contains content which may be distressing, please take care of yourself and see list of helpful organisations below.

Support available to you

  • For people experiencing a mental health crisis, CNWL's Single Point of Access is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you live in the London boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea or Westminster or Milton Keynes you can call on 0800 0234 650 or email cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
  • CNWL offers Talking Therapies services across London and Milton Keynes; support for low mood, anxiety and depression

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the stigma of suicide and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

By changing the narrative on suicide, we learn new ways of understanding it. We are also able to shift the culture on suicide from silence and stigma to openness, understanding and support.

The call to action with this theme is ‘Start the Conversation’ on suicide and suicide prevention. This means every conversation, no matter how big or small matters. It will help raise awareness on suicide, break down stereotypes of suicide and help to build communities that can help and support anything to do with suicide prevention.

Preventing Suicide:  What can you do to help to change the narrative?

Changing the narrative on suicide will transform how we perceive this complex issue and move from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. 

1. Educate: Begin by completing the Zero Suicide Alliance’s online training. This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to initiate conversations about suicide.  

2. Reach out: If you are concerned about a friend, family member, or colleague—don’t hesitate to reach out. Asking someone directly if they are feeling suicidal does not increase their risk. Instead, it opens a crucial dialogue giving them permission to express their feelings and lets them know that they are not a burden and that there is hope. 

3. Encourage seeking support: Support your loved one in seeking professional help. Help can involve contacting their GP, mental health services , or emergency services for them if they are in immediate crisis. Our Single Point of Access  number is 0800 0234 650 for London boroughs and 01908 724365 for Milton Keynes. Voluntary, peer, and community organisations also offer significant support and resources. 

4. Prioritise self-care: Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally challenging. It is important to look after your mental health also. Talking with a friend, colleague, or using support services can help you manage the emotional impact. 

 

Helpful tips for starting conversations:

  • Ask Open Questions: Engage in conversations that invite detailed responses. Questions like "How have you been feeling recently?" or "Can you share more about what you’re going through?" encourage deeper dialogue. 
  • Be Patient: Allow the person to express their feelings at their own pace. Your patience can be a comforting presence and give them the space they need to open up. 
  • Take Them Seriously: Always take comments about suicide seriously. It’s a myth that people who talk about suicide won’t act on their thoughts. Acknowledging their feelings and providing support is crucial. 
  • Avoid Judgment: Approach the conversation without judgment or blame. Understand that discussing suicidal thoughts can be incredibly difficult, and your role is to offer support, not to criticise.
  • Be Direct: Address the topic of suicide directly rather than skirting around it. Asking questions like "Are you having thoughts of ending your life?" can help the person discuss their feelings openly. 

Mind, the leading mental health charity in the UK has helpful information on starting conversations. You can find out more here.

For further information and support, consider the following resources: 

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 (who.int) 

Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA)  

Causes of suicidal feelings - Mind 

Supporting someone who feels suicidal 

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