Suicide prevention

Anyone of any age, gender, or background can have suicidal thoughts, but men under 45 are at increased risk. In fact, 1 in 5 of us will think about suicide at some point.

Not everyone who dies by suicide has had a previous mental health problem, however most have.

Thoughts and feelings of suicide can range from someone not wanting to be here to making a plan about how and when to end their life.

The reasons people die by suicide are complex. Most of the time there is no one thing that leads to someone taking their own life.

Risk factors can include mental health problems, bullying, different types of abuse, bereavement, long-term physical pain or illness, money or housing problems, loneliness, postnatal depression, addiction or substance abuse, or other forms of trauma.

Below are some general signs to look out for but everyone copes in their own way. Some people will display several of these signs, some just one or two and some none at all.

• Threaten to hurt themselves or take their own life.
• Talk or write about death, dying, or suicide all the time.
• Actively look for ways to take their own life, such as stockpiling tablets.
• Make expressions of hopelessness such as ‘I wish I was dead,’ ‘I can’t take this anymore,’ or ‘everyone would be better off without me.’
• Withdraw from social activities, experience sudden mood swings or engage in risky behaviour like drinking too much, taking drugs or driving recklessly.
• Stop looking after themselves.
• Start saying goodbye to people as if they won’t see them again.
• Make out a will or give prized possessions away.
• Have a sudden sense of calm. This could indicate they have made up their mind to kill themselves.

There are five steps we can all take to support someone who is feeling suicidal. Remember, if you think someone is in immediate danger the quickest way to get help is to call 999.

Ask: It is a myth you cannot ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. Evidence shows asking someone ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ gives them permission to tell you how they feel and lets them know they are not a burden.

Be there: Listening without judgement is key. You should listen and respond with open questions – not advice or opinions. You’re not trying to change or solve whatever they are going through. Sometimes you may just sit in silence. But being there shows they are cared for and provides a safe space for them to express themselves. You can also offer them the option of talking to someone they don’t know by suggesting they call Samaritans.

Help keep them safe: Reducing access to highly lethal items (such as knives or stockpiles of medication) or places can help keep someone safe. You can also make a safety plan with them. This includes things such as helping them recognise their warning signs and triggers, coping techniques, friends, family and organisations they can call for help and the numbers of mental health and emergency services. You can download a safety plan template from Samaritans.

Help them connect: Encourage them to contact local professional mental health services for help, Samaritans and other support charities or trusted friends and family who can give them a safety net when they need it and help them feel supported.

Follow up: Staying in touch with the person you are supporting is important. It doesn’t always have to be in person; it could be a text or a phone call at a regular interval. But be persistent and keep letting them know you are there.

The Orange Button scheme provides training to create a community of people who are comfortable hearing the word suicide, talking about it and listening without judgement. The orange button is a visible sign to people who are struggling it is okay to reach out for help.

Find out more about the Orange Button scheme and how to sign up.

If you are thinking about suicide and need support

• Call 999 if you can’t keep yourself or others safe.
• Dial NHS 111 and press option 2 for urgent help.
  
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 to speak to someone who will listen without judgement.