Several things came through on our free webinar on 11th September:
- You never know when you’re going to be interrupting someone’s suicidal thoughts, so say hello, ask how they’re doing, and ask again and again if you feel you need to.
- Ask directly if you think someone might be having suicidal thoughts. You will not put the idea of suicide into their heads.
- People who have suicidal thoughts don’t necessarily want to die by suicide. They are generally looking for a solution to their present circumstances.
- We will not be able to prevent all suicides. We must accept this, while continuing to support people who have suicidal thoughts, or a plan for suicide.
- We need to have more conversations about suicide, so that people who experience suicidal thoughts feel safe to talk about it.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone, and asking for help is a brave and important first step.
Trusted helplines and websites
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Samaritans — talk any time, free and confidential. Call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org for email and local-branch options. Samaritans
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PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 — support for people under 35 and those worried about them. Call 0800 068 4141 or see papyrus-uk.org for chat and safety-planning resources. Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity+1
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Mind — information, practical advice and local service links; Mind’s support line and infoline details are on mind.org.uk. Mind+1
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go straight to A&E. For urgent mental-health help in the UK you can also call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option.