World Suicide Prevention Day
As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday 10 September; I thought it might be helpful to reflect on the theme of ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. I recall, with some discomfort, in my early days of counselling training and practice my reticence to avoid action. I unwittingly subscribed to the myth that if we were to talk about suicide, someone would take their own life. It really said more about me than the client, about my unwillingness to sit alongside someone in the depth of their despair. I now recognise that for a client to be able to talk through suicide as an option with a therapist, without fear of judgement and hiding in the shadows, it can minimise the shame and stigma and prevent acting out.
The stigma of suicidal ideation reiterates the lack of understanding around mental health and that physical health always seems to take priority. Certain groups are not able to access the right support and may be at greater risk of suicide due to environmental factors. It is a significant and complex public health concern resulting in large numbers of deaths across multiple populations. According to the World Health Organisation there are currently more than 700,0000 suicides per year worldwide. Of course, the ripple effect of death by suicide affects many more.
So, now when I hear someone make oblique references, ‘I can’t do this anymore’, ‘I don’t want to be here’, ‘it would be better if I were dead’; I can calmy explore with sensitivity, what they mean. I refrain from trying to rescue with platitudes and can recognise any of my own anxieties. Some clients use suicidal ideation as a way of managing their pain and suffering and having choice. However, sometimes when a plan to end their life becomes a reality and not a fantasy, action become necessary, however uncomfortable this may be. We can’t wait and hope someone else notices or hears. As professionals we have a duty of care to protect our clients.
We don’t have to be therapists, we can all play our part in raising awareness and telling people, family, friends, colleagues and clients experiencing suicidal thoughts, that there can be hope and people do want to help. How can you help?
What to do when someone is in immediate danger: call an ambulance on 999. It might also be helpful to reach out and talk to the person, allowing them to feel safe and connected and their feelings are validated.
If you are worried about someone and think they are struggling. It is also important to actively listen to what they are saying in a non judgemental way. It’s very powerful for someone to feel truly heard. Having the details of support services to hand can also be helpful when supporting someone.
Vicky Lambert is our in house counsellor and coach providing practical, professional and emotional support for individuals who are experiencing significant change personally and professionally.
Support Services:
Samaritans telephone 116 123 jo@samaritans.org.uk
SHOUT: 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis Text SHOUT to 85258
Papyrus: Prevention of Young Suicide HOPELINE 24/7 on 0800 068 41 41
ANDYSMANCLUB men’s suicide prevention charity andysmanclub.co.uk
CALM: Campaign against living miserably Helpline 0800 585858 5pm -midnight 365 days a year
