World Suicide Prevention Day is held every year on the 10th of September. It is an annual awareness-raising event organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO published that over 800,000 people take their lives each year across the world. In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year – an average of 18 a day.
Therefore, it is important to reach out to people who are going through a difficult time as it can often save their life. Feeling suicidal is a result of a person feeling low, worthless and think that no-one cares for them. So, small things such as hearing from a friend or family member, being listened to or being told that ‘it is okay to talk’, either to a friend or a healthcare professional.
It is important to remember that doctors are also at an incredibly high risk for mental health. Between 2011 and 2015, 430 healthcare professionals within the UK took their own lives. The NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP), is the only confidential service that offers doctors a range of assessments, treatment and case-management for all mental health problems. So, if you are a doctor who believes a colleague needs support please keep reading to find out ways you can help them.
Suicide does not discriminate against the type of person you are. People of all genders, ages and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behaviour is very complex and there is no single cause. Various factors can cause someone to make a suicide attempt but people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics including and not limiting:
You should note that suicidal thoughts are not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention and should not be ignored.
Remember – tomorrow needs you because you matter to someone who loves you.
Please note that this article is just a guide, if you are someone else you know is feeling suicidal please contact a professional help service.
NHS Choices – Suicide
Nimh.nih.gov. (2018). NIMH » Suicide Prevention. [online] Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml [Accessed 7 Sep. 2018].