Call for open discussion on suicide

A new campaign is urging people to have direct and open conversations about suicide in the hope of saving lives.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) initiative aims to empower people to ask someone whether they are thinking about suicide if they are concerned the person may be having suicidal thoughts.

It comes after SAMH research found that although 64 per cent of people were comfortable talking about suicide generally, only 41 per cent would feel comfortable asking someone they know if they are feeling suicidal.

The charity hopes the campaign will break down stigma around the issue.

The Ask Them About Suicide campaign features a short film highlighting how asking the right question can change everything.

The campaign web hub at www.samh.org.uk/getinvolved/ask shares information to guide practical conversations around suicide.