Every year, Samaritans and over 70 other suicide prevention and mental health organizations come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on the 10th of September and Samaritans showed the latest suicide statistics showed that in 2018, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide. Samaritans know “suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable but not being OK is still widely stigmatized and governments can make better, more ambitious plans to prevent suicide”.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 4,912 suicides were registered in 2020 and the suicide rate was 10.0 per 100,000. The age group that had the highest suicide rate per 100,000 was males between 45 and 49 years old. Even though the overall suicide rate decreased by 7.4% compared to 2019, we still want to prevent it from happening as much as possible and help those who need it.
Samaritans have offered some advice on how to start a conversation with someone about this sensitive topic. They said, “Just being there to listen and showing you care can help”. They have provided some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you’re worried about below:
● Choose a good time+ and a place without distractions
● Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer
● “How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?”
● Listen well. (listen attentively)
● Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong or what they should do
It is normal to feel anxious about asking someone if they’re suicidal, but it also could save someone’s life. Being patient and showing you care builds trust and it can help someone open up to you.
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