World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. It hopes to create a shift from a culture of silence and a lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy, and support.

According to Mind, over the course of someone’s lifetime:

• One  in 5 people have suicidal thoughts
• One in 14 people self-harm
• One in 15 people attempt suicide.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that worldwide an estimated 703,000 people die by suicide each year with this global rate twice as high among men than women and with half of these preventable deaths occurring before the age of 50 years old.

To make a difference we need to encourage people to talk more openly about suicidal thoughts and remember that talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase their presence or occurrence.

A recent Samaritans pool showed that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about their general mental health. Frimley Health and Care wants to help change that.

Across our area there are mental health services, local to you, who are there to help.  The NHS encourages people to seek help early if they are struggling and you can go directly to many of these services, you do not need to be referred.

Dr Laura Ingenhaag, GP Clinical Lead for All Age Suicide Prevention and Postvention for NHS Frimley said:

“I wholeheartedly support this year’s theme of World Suicide Prevention Day #ChangingTheNarrative on Suicide.

"I hope that we can all be brave in #StartingtheConversation, not just within health and social care setting, not just on World Suicide Prevention Day, but all year round.

"Having had suicidal thoughts myself in the past, I understand the importance of receiving the collective support of family, friends, colleagues, mental health professionals and voluntary sector organisations in a timely, trauma informed and compassionate manner.

"The services and professionals within the Frimley Health and Care system were out there wanting to help me, and I will forever be grateful to each and every individual involved in my care.

"The bravery and courage comes in starting the conversation in health and social care settings, workplaces, schools, the criminal justice system, and homes across the country to go some way to reducing the stigma that people with suicidal thoughts often feel, so that everyone can access help without perceived shame or guilt.

"Having also lost a family member, colleagues and friends to suicide, I am all too aware of the ripple effects of bereavement by suicide, and the importance of support for anyone affected.

"Locally we are working hard to put in place the Suicide Prevention in England: 5 year cross-sector strategy which was published by the Department of Health and Social Care in September 2023; this highlights the fact that suicide is everybody’s business, and that collective support will provide the biggest impact to reduce suicides.

"Language matters and kindness counts. You really do have the power to save someone’s life whether it be a family member, friend, colleague or stranger, as Jonny Benjamin described in his powerful storytelling about “Mike” a stranger whose words and kindness saved his life in 2008.

"I understand that people fear “saying the wrong thing” or “making things worse and if that is how you feel please consider putting aside 20 minutes of your time this week to complete this suicide awareness training provided free by Zero Suicide Alliance.

"I hope it will empower you to feel more confident talking about suicide, as well as where and how to safely share that information to ensure the person having suicidal thoughts can access appropriate support. It might just save a life."

If you are worried about yourself, someone you know or would just like to learn more, Samaritans have collated information and helpful tips on how to talk about difficult feelings.  

You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and show you care to help someone work through what’s troubling them can make all the difference. Whether it’s you or someone you care about struggling, you can read more about how to start a conversation on the charity's website.

Frimley Health and Care acknowledges that an increased focus on the issue of suicide can be overwhelming for those with a lived or living experience of suicide.

NHS Frimley supports World Suicide Prevention Day as one dedicated to raising awareness, fostering change and providing a supportive sense of community and understanding for those with lived or living experience.

People of all ages, including children, who are in mental health crisis or concerned about a family member or loved one can call NHS 111 anytime day or night, and select the mental health option to speak to a trained mental health professional.

Alternatively, Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. You can contact Samaritans any time of the day or night by phoning 116 123 or emailing jo@Samaritans.org