There’s no need to struggle...there’s help out there for you
Anyone struggling with their mental health is being encouraged to seek the help they need during Suicide Prevention Week.
Last year, 13 people in Renfrewshire took their own lives and the council is working closely with the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership to provide the support needed to lower the risk of someone completing suicide in the future.
This year’s theme for the special week, which ends on Saturday, is ‘working together to prevent suicide’ and acknowledges the importance that a public health approach is needed to address suicide rates across the country.
NHS Health Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland have created an online resource called Ask Tell Save a Life: Every Life Matters to support suicide prevention.
This is part of the Scottish Government’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan and acknowledges that signs of suicide can be difficult to spot while also encouraging people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if it seems a person is living a normal life.
Douglas Johnston, service coordinator at suicide prevention organisation Choose Life, 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 and 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, can be enough to show that you care.”
Provost Lorraine Cameron hosts an annual memorial service for those lost to suicide where friends and family can place hearts onto the commemorative tree outside Renfrewshire House.
She said: “We all face struggles in our lives with our mental health, myself included, and not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to put a brave face on and keep going as normal.
“If you have any concerns, please ask someone if they are having trouble coping.
“It won’t put bad thoughts into their head if they weren’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.” If you are feeling suicidal, or you know someone that might be, then please call one of the helpline numbers: Samaritan’s 116 123, Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87, RAMH First Crisis 0141 849 90 90 or 0500 829 093.
For more information, contact the Choose Life Team by calling 0141 849 2200, emailing chooselife.sw@renfrewshire.gov. uk or going nline to www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/sobs
Talking openly about their feelings can help a person get clarity about what is troubling them