How would you recognise someone with suicidal feelings? If you could have a small amount of knowledge to help someone in crisis what would it be? What would it be like, if you could understand what it is like to feel trapped? If you could see some of the signs that a person feels like their head is like a pressure cooker with no release cap. Or do you just see it as them crying wolf or a cry for help? I have heard these statements many times from clients and how they feel they have no one to turn to.
- Remember that every week 84 men take their own lives in the UK alone.
- Worldwide there is one death every 40 seconds or 3,000 per day.
- For every 1 suicide, there are 20 other failed attempts.
How do you begin to address that staggering amount of people and begin to make some impact or offer support? What increases the risk and how can I help? Call me today on 07984 493798
What groups are high risk for suicidal feelings?
There is a strong link between substance abuse, depression and someone either taking their own life or having suicidal feelings. If you can begin to understand some root causes, then you or I can begin to help. Remember that knowing someone is in a high-risk group, then allows you to help them. In any one day people within your reach, your gaze or discussion may be at risk, so what does someone at risk look like?
Unfortunately, there is not a one box fits all description for someone that needs some help. But imagine being able to reach out to them and recognise the signs. If you knew someone that could help that person at risk, as well as relate to what that struggle looks like. Then what would that be like?
Along with addictions, there are many groups which are identified as high-risk by the NHS. Once you feel you can help that person, then let’s begin to get them some help. The government have acknowledged that a Suicide prevention minister is necessary and at last, campaigning is beginning to produce results.
Reaching out to someone with suicidal feelings
Realising Clarke Carlisle, a footballer I watched regularly on a Saturday suffers from mental health issues. It began to dawn on me that mental health doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone. Seeing how his suicidal feelings led to him attempting to take his own life is something that led to me educating myself, to try to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Recently I have used this knowledge to both prevent and direct someone away from a suicide attempt. I only wish that more people could be educated enough to be able to do the same. Seeing the work done by Matthew Smith and Calm, which led to the government taking action in appointing a minister is a move in the right direction.
If you can begin to reach out to someone today, then you can begin to make an impact on someone’s life.
Helping someone with suicidal feelings
The first place to start if you want to help someone with suicidal feelings is begin to talk to them. In my previous blog Preventing male suicide, I talked about how important it is to speak with the person who is feeling the way they are. If you feel you are not able to do that, then you can call me today on 07984 493798 and I can help you. I have a 20-year background in dealing with people with mental health and those having suicidal thoughts. My background in the armed forces and Police give me a firm understanding of mental health issues.
To start to help someone suffering suicidal feelings, then call me today on 07984 493798
