This Suicide Prevention Day we are supporting the message that anyone can take action to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and save lives.
Today (10 September) is World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme being promoted by LSCFT and the Samaritans charity is that suicide isn’t inevitable. By talking more openly about it, asking direct questions and showing kindness, we could all make a huge difference. We could even save a life.
Suicide Prevention Lead at LSCFT, Dr Anushta Sivananthan, said:
“At LSCFT we believe that every suicide is a tragedy, and that suicide is preventable.
“As a leading provider of mental health services in the area, we have a responsibility to lead with compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to prevention. We are a member of the Zero Suicide Alliance which is a collaborative of NHS Trusts, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention in the UK and beyond. We know there is always hope and talking about suicide really doesn’t have to be scary or difficult.
“It can be as simple as asking someone how they are, what they need, smiling at or complimenting a stranger and showing kindness, when someone may really need it. We know that talking openly about suicide and mental health can feel awkward. We also know that talking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone taking their own life. We want people to get comfortable with talking about suicide and make it the norm.
“One way in which we’re getting more people to talk about suicide is through the Orange Button scheme and we want to grow our community of orange button wearers even further. The orange button is worn by people or displayed by businesses who have undergone specialised suicide prevention training and while they are not able to counsel people, they can provide comprehensive signposting to services and support in the community.
“It means that people who are having thoughts of suicide, or people who are worried about someone, can now get support and information when they see someone wearing a distinctive orange badge. The training teaches people to talk about suicide safely and confidently and identify the signs if someone is having suicidal thoughts. It also guides you how to develop a safety plan with someone who is having suicidal thoughts and how to signpost someone at risk to the appropriate services we provide.”
Doctor Sivananthan is sharing her top tips for how best to approach conversations with people who may be in crisis:
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The main way to support someone is to compassionately listen and acknowledge their feelings
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Try not to become distressed or overwhelmed as there is a lot of support out there
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Encourage them to talk about their feelings and ask if they are feeling suicidal
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Stay with them whilst they are feeling distressed if you can
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Ask if they have a crisis plan or safety plan that would help
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Help them make a safety plan, so they can describe what sort of things help them and who can support them
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Encourage them to seek treatment or support
Emma has tried to take her life on three occasions and it was her aunt interrupting her thoughts which saved her life. She said:
“My advice to everyone would be if you think someone is struggling, be there. Ask if they want to talk and get them to tell you exactly how they are feeling. Knowing someone is there to listen without judgment is the most helpful thing to somebody in crisis.
“And to those people who feel like there’s no way out, focus on getting through the next hour and then the hour after that. Tomorrow might be brighter.”
If you need support
Support is available 24 hours a day and you can speak to a trained professional by calling 111 and selecting option two.
This number can help people having suicidal thoughts and people worried about someone in crisis. The call handler will carry out instant assessment and referrals to appropriate services and support.
More information and handy links
