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Suicide Awareness

Suicide. Let's Talk.

Suicide is preventable through education and intervention. Here’s how to support someone experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviour.

Learn to recognise the warning signs

  • Watch out for changes in personality and behaviour
  • People putting their affairs in order

Don't be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking of suicide

  • This won't make them more likely to have suicide thoughts
  • It's the most important question you can ask

Know what to do in a crisis

If someone is at immediate risk of suicide, dial 999.

If someone is having thoughts of suicide encourage them to call Samaritans on 116 123, or text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

CRISIS Support

Listening helps people know you care

  • You don't need to have all the answers
  • Thank them for sharing their feelings with you
  • Express empathy, even if you don't understand their behaviour or point of view.

Keep checking-in

  • Improvement does not mean that the risk of suicide is over
  • Most suicides occur within three months of the onset period of 'improvement'
  • Suicide thoughts and behaviour can return at any point

Boundaries

  • Never agree to keep suicide thoughts or behaviour confidential
  • You may need to speak to others to ensure a person's safety

Look after yourself

  • Practise self-care following a suicide crisis
  • Seek professional help if needed
  • Samaritans is here to support you too.

Stamp out the stigma

Ditch the stigma - suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know - so let's talk about it!

How to help someone open up

Choose a safe, quiet space, give the other person your full attention and put away your phone.

Ask how they're doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What's that like for you?”

Listen without judgement and try not to jump straight in with your advice or opinions.

Don't be afraid to ask someone if they're having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel.

Resources

Mental Health First Aiders

Find a Mental Health First Aider

Mental Health Resources

View the resources.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Staff Wellbeing Hub

Contact the hub.

Suicide Awareness Training (free)

Take the training

This page is built using resources from Mental Health First Aid England and Samaritans

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