World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 marked World Suicide Prevention Day to encourage people to talk about their feelings, support one another and raise awareness of suicide prevention. In this article Emma Piorkowska of Oakwood Solicitors discusses the theme of this year’s campaign and provides information of where advice and support can be found.

This year, it is crucial to raise awareness as the number of suicides has been recorded as the highest on record since 1999.

Recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics showed 6,069 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2023, up from 5,642 in 2022. Men are most at risk, making up three-quarters of those deaths, but the female suicide rate also reached its highest level since 1994.

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action #StartTheConversation. The theme promotes the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

We know that these conversations can be hard, but are often the most important.

Research found that although 74% of people were happy to talk about their mental health, only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts – and this needs to change.

What can I do to help?

Being aware of the signs to spot if someone is feeling suicidal can be a good place to start. Although ‘suicide’ is often considered a taboo subject to talk about, studies show that around a fifth of people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts may go through a range of emotions that can fluctuate – including feeling overwhelmed, trapped, hopeless or like a burden.

Each person may cope differently but below are some of the signs to look out for when someone might not be feeling okay.

• Distancing themselves or not replying to messages
• Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless or trapped
• Not doing the things they usually enjoy
• Finding day-to-day tasks difficult

How can I help?

If you are worried about a friend, family member or colleague who is struggling to cope, there are a few different ways that you can support them.

• Reach out to them and ask how they’re feeling to show you care
• Listen without judgement – ask open questions – such as ‘how do you feel’ – without giving opinions or advice
• Don’t be afraid to ask if they’re having suicidal thoughts – it can often be a relief to let someone know if they are
• Let them know that you’re there for them and want to help them
• Help them access support – such as putting them in touch with Samaritans
• Check-in with them regularly to see how they are feeling, and let them know someone is there for them

What support is out there?

As well as contacting the NHS or your GP if you are suffering from suicidal thoughts or mental health problems, there are a number of charities that can offer support.

Samaritans

• Call: 116 123 – free
• E-mail: jo@samaritans.org (however it may take several days for a response via e-mail)

NHS

• Call: 111 – 24 hours every day

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

• Call: 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
• Visit the webchat page

Papyrus – prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247

• Call: 0800 068 41 41
• Text: 07860 039967
• Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Childline – for children and young people under 19

• Call: 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill

SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone

• Call: 0808 115 1505 – 8pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight Saturday and Sunday
• Email: contact@sossilenceofsuicide.org

Shout – for everyone

• If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, this text line is open 24 hours a day, every day.
• Text “SHOUT” to 85258