When we mention ‘Suicide’ it’s naturally an emotive word. It creates awkwardness, fear, silence, confusion.
It’s a word that “should only be whispered.”
It’s seen as ‘inappropriate!’
It’s ’suggestive’
It’s ‘dangerous’
It’s taboo!!
It’s ‘uncomfortable.’
We hear ‘suicide’ and eyes widen.. hands go to mouths.. Faces crease as we wince. Some people tune in, and some people tune out.
We read a post about suicide and it’s followed by tons of comments offering different opinions.
It’s selfish.
It’s tragic.
It’s unnecessary.
It’s so, so sad!
I’ll tell you what it is. It’s REAL!
• Around 1,500 women die by suicide in the UK each year.
• On average more than one person dies per week by suicide, in Cornwall & IoS.
So how can we, as an organisation, help?
Peer Support is a service that has long been recognised as an important tool in suicide prevention.
Talking about your emotions can give you a huge sense of relief.
Discussing suicidal thoughts, amongst people who have been there too, can help you see beyond the darkness of the ‘present’ moment.
Having peers around you, who have lived experience, can massively reduce the feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Being amongst other women can help promote feelings of resilience and management of poor mental health.
Repeated contact is empowering, inspiring and helps build emotional support connections.
Positive advocacy WITHOUT judgment.
Talking about suicide isn’t ‘dangerous!’
NOT talking about it is!
If you are concerned that someone you know may be contemplating suicide but are unsure, it's important to start a direct conversation.
Q) Are you thinking about suicide?
OR
Q) Are you experiencing thoughts about ending your own life?
Talking about suicide WILL NOT make it more likely to occur!
Things that may help:
- I care about you and you are not alone.
- Empathise; explain that whilst you can't imagine how painful and difficult things are for them, you would like to try and understand.
- Ensure your words and actions are free from any judgement. Refrain from any blame or critisism.
- Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their words. Try to explore their reasons for living. Focus on those positive words.
- Ask if this is a new experience, or if they have felt like this before? If they have, ask them what changed things for them before.
- Reassure them that they will not always feel this way. Remind them that they can focus on getting by day to day, and plans for the future can wait.
- Ask then if they have a crisis plan in place, and action any possible plans.
- Encourage them to seek help. Don't push, but gently remind them that there are support services and agencies that are there to help people who feel this way.
- If you make any commitments or promises, it's important to try and follow these up.
- Seek help and support for yourself. Supporting someone who feels suicidal can be extremely stressful and upsetting. It is important that you are looking after yourself, too.
Triggers for someone who is feeling low, or suicidal can be:
- feeling small, insignificant or invisible.
- feeling silly/stupid for feeling the way they do
- unheard or ignored.
- guilt.
- criticised.
- patronised or demeaned.
- alone or isolated.
- feelings of worthlessness.
It is so important to show that we respect, support and hear someone who is contemplating ending their own life.
Everyone of you matter, deserve to be here and have a strong light that the universe needs.
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