Crisis support
- In a crisis: call NHS 111 (select mental health) for Livewell Southwest’s First Response Service (24/7).
- If somebody is imminently about to harm themselves and/or others: call 999 for the Police.
- If someone is at imminent risk of suicide, and their location is not known: call 999 for the Police.
- If somebody has already harmed themselves: call 999 for an Ambulance.
- If you can and it is safe to do so, stay with them until somebody arrives.
- Other crisis support
- Samaritans: call 116 123 (24/7, 365)
- Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (24/7, 365)
- Papyrus: call 0800 068 4141 (24/7, 365) (under 35s)
We all have the potential to meet someone who is having thoughts of suicide. This could be at home, work, or on the street. This guide aims to provide information that will help you feel more confident talking about suicide.
- Talking about suicide can be emotional, especially if you have been personally affected
- Take the time to look after yourself and notice how you are feeling
- Self-care may involve taking time out, talking to somebody, or support through your community or a GP
Every suicide is a tragic loss that has devastating and long-lasting impact upon families, friends, and communities.
Suicide is rare… but it happens. On average 24 people in Plymouth die by suicide each year.
There is rarely a single cause of suicide. The causes are complex and individual.
70% of people who die by suicide are not in contact with Mental Health services in the year before they die.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
What might cause somebody to think about suicide?
Often more about ending unbearable mental pain, than wanting to die.
Feelings of entrapment, shame, rejection.
Unable to see a time when things may be different – can feel like the only option.
Associated with life changes/stressors: loss, health, relationships, housing, finances, employment, education.
Signs to look out for:
- Restless, agitated, angry, aggressive
- Tearful, hopeless, withdrawn, self-neglect
- Risk behaviours: alcohol, drugs, gambling
- Sorting out life affairs
- Unexplained improvement in mood
- May be their normal self
How can you know if someone is having thoughts of suicide?
Ask them
‘You don’t seem yourself…’
‘How are you really?’
‘Are you having thoughts of suicide?’
It can be difficult to ask, but it could save a life.
Talking about suicide to adults and adolescents will not put the ideal in their head – it can be protective. It shows that they have permission to talk about their feelings and removes stigma – it can be a huge relief.
Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing – reaching out, and listening compassionately is enough.
If they say they are having thoughts of suicide:
- React with compassion and empathy. Acknowledge their emotions and experiences
- Listen non-judgementally. Ask open questions and encourage them talk
- You do not need to solve their problems
- Reassure them that the intensity of their feelings can reduce – even if they cannot see that now
- Ask if they have a plan to harm themselves
- Check if they have a safety plan and encourage them to follow it
How you can support somebody
Ask what they can do to distract themselves and feel calmer? music, drawing, TV, video games, walk…
Ask about social settings they like – family, friends, cafes, parks, gyms, places of worship, cinema, libraries.
Are there safe and trusted people (> 18 years old) they feel comfortable speaking to?
If appropriate and safe, help them make the environment safe, such as removing drugs.
Identify crisis support or professional help.
Wider mental health support
- See your GP
- Mental health support
- Prevent Suicide to download the app – search for ‘Stay Alive’
- NHS Talking Therapies (Livewell)
Bereavement support
People who are bereaved (particularly from suicide) are more at risk of suicide themselves
Local support is available:
- Pete’s Dragons: for suicide bereavement
- Jeremiah’s Journey: for children, young people and families for any bereavement
Stigma
Reduced stigma increases help seeking behaviour.
To reduce stigma, we talk about a death by suicide, a suicide attempt or thoughts of suicide.
(We try to avoid using ‘commit’, ‘completed/successful’, ‘unsuccessful/failed’, ‘just/only’, ‘threat/attention seeking’).
Build your knowledge, confidence and skills through training
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
Livewell Southwest Training Network Courses.
Email: [email protected]
Free online training:
- Zero Suicide Alliance
- Prevent Suicide
- MindEd - Aimed at those working with children and young people.
Get involved
We would love to talk to your organisation to support with: education, training, and development of policies around suicide prevention and mental health.
The Plymouth Suicide Prevention Strategic Partnership is open to any organisation that is working to support suicide prevention initiatives in Plymouth.
If you would like to hear more or become involved, contact us.
Email: [email protected]. This inbox is not monitored 24/7 and is not for crisis support.