Raising awareness of suicide prevention

An initiative in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and across Scotland is hoping to get across the message that suicide is preventable.

Those organising Suicide Prevention Week, which runs until Sunday, September 16, say the issue is“everyone’s business”.

The continuing Choose Life‘Read between the lines’campaign asks everyone to be alert to the warning signs of suicide in people close to them and, if they’re worried, ask them directly about their feelings.

The campaign encourages people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if it seems a person is living a normal life.

A new Suicide Prevention Crisis Card has been launched which provides useful advice and contacts, a new Suicide Prevention Awareness talk as well as discussions around the development of a local Suicide Action Plan.

Chief Officer of Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership Shiona Strachan said:“If someone you are close to shows signs of not being themselves, you will normally notice. When changes in their behaviour begin to worry you – even if the signs come and go – the most important aspect is to ask them about it.

“Talking openly about their feelings can help a person get clarity about what is troubling them. Starting this conversation helps them gain a perspective on their distress. You don’t need to have a solution to their problems – being there for them and listening, without judgement, shows that you care and their distress, and ultimately their happiness, is important to you.

“Ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought into their head if it wasn’t there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to open up fully and acknowledge they need help and support. By taking the time to show you care and are there to listen, you could change their life.”

Figures published in research headed by Glasgow University in collaboration with Stirling, Leeds and Nottingham universities, earlier this year claimed one in nine young Scots adults has attempted suicide and one in six has self-harmed.

In a confidential study of 3508 people aged between 18 and 34, it was revealed that 11.3 per cent had attempted suicide and 16.2 per cent had self-harmed at some stage in their lives. The figures also showed 6.5 per cent reported a history of both.

Support is available from a number of organisations, including Samaritans on 116 123 and Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.