READ BETWEEN THE LINES : SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK, SEPTEMBER 8TH-14TH
Written by author on September 4, 2014
You can save lives if you can read between the lines. That’s the message from Choose Life in national Suicide Prevention Week (8 to 12 September 2014).
Despite a 19% reduction in the suicide rate since the 2000/2002 period, around 2 lives a day are lost in Scotland due to suicide. The impact of each suicide lasts a lifetime for those left behind. The idea that suicide shouldn’t be talked about is a taboo that doesn’t help those grieving or the many people who may be feeling suicidal right now. Choose Life’s read between the lines campaign tackles this stigma and helps to reduce further unnecessary deaths by raising awareness. If you’re worried about someone, asking directly about their feelings could save their life.
The campaign acknowledges that signs of suicide can be ambiguous but encourages people to be alert to the warning signs and take all signs of distress seriously, even when the person seems to be living normally. It also aims to assure people that asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference.
Since 1990, around ¾ of suicides have been men. The campaign targets men and women who are likely to be in contact with the people most at risk of suicide: men aged 30 to 59. It also lets people know where they can get help, such as Breathing Space (t: 0800 838 587) and The Samaritans (t: 08457 909 090).
Claire Thirlwell, local Choose Life coordinator, said, “You tend to know when someone close to you isn’t quite their self. So, if you notice any changes in their behaviour that worry you, even if the signs come and go, ask them about it. Talking can help a person be clear about what’s troubling them and give a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle. You don’t need to have an answer to their problems. Just be there for them. Try to listen carefully, without judging, and show that you care.”
Councillor Ted Thompson, vice-chairman of the Social Work Services committee, said, “Sadly, people can feel compelled to take their own lives. However, while most problems are usually temporary, suicide is final and devastating for those left behind. So, we all have a role to play in reducing the number of preventable deaths by suicide.” For more info on suicide prevention see: http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/health/suicide/index.aspx
