It was World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 on Tuesday 10th September. The theme for this year is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”. How do we do this?
We all need to look out for those who are not coping. Individuals in distress are often not looking for specific advice- the key to preventing a tragedy is empathy, compassion, genuine concern, knowledge of resources and a desire to help. Warning signs of suicide include: hopelessness, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge, engaging in risky activities, feeling like there’s no way out, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from friends, family & society, anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time and dramatic mood changes. In short, the main warning sign is that there are changes to someone’s behaviour.
So what can we do?
The listening ear of someone with compassion, empathy and a lack of judgement can help restore hope. We can check in with them, ask them how they are doing and encourage them to tell their story. This small gesture goes a long way.
You don’t have to be a clinician- just ask “are you OK?” This is often enough to start a conversation, one that may be life-saving. You should ask someone directly if they have thoughts about taking their own life and then listen, really listen, to them. Reflect, with them, their reasons for life, their reasons against death, any supports they have and their ideas for their future. Be tender and be kind- it will be detected by the person you are talking to. Reassure them that they are not alone, that everything passes, that you, and others, care about them.
Pragmatically we can assist with medical intervention (a phone call or escort to their GP or to Casualty), removing any means of suicide from them (asking if you can keep their medication, etc.), do not be anxious about calling 112 for an ambulance as it may be a medical emergency. Be with them- don’t just say that they are not alone, prove it.
Keep in touch- an email, a text, a phone call, a card, a spontaneous visit.
Some contacts:
Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)- 0800 808 8000
Samaritans- 116 123 (UK and Rep. of Ireland)
Aware-ni.org and Aware.ie (depression support for UK and Rep. of Ireland)
Yourmentalhealth.ie and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/ (HSE and NHS websites for support about suicide)
https://www.iasp.info/wspd2019/ for information about World Suicide Prevention Day 2019
