On Tuesday 10th September it is World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme this year is ‘Change the narrative’ so we wanted to start the conversation. This is a difficult subject matter and I would like to reach out to anyone who maybe struggling, or to someone who is supporting someone with suicidal thoughts. We will be talking about suicide and what can help people who are feeling suicidal and those supporting them during suicide awareness month in September. Join in the World Health Organisation’s campaign in whatever you can by joining in on the conversation https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/world-suicide-prevention-day-2024
- In 2021, there were 5,583 suicides registered in England and Wales, equivalent to a rate of 10.7 deaths per 100,000 people; while this was statistically significantly higher than the 2020 rate of 10.0 deaths per 100,000 people, it was consistent with the pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic rates in 2019 and 2018.
- The fall in the suicide rate in 2020 was likely to have been driven by a decrease in male suicides at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and delays in death registrations because of the pandemic.
- The latest figures include deaths that occurred in 2020 and were subsequently registered in 2021 owing to disruption to coroners’ inquests; this provides evidence that the suicide rate did not increase because of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Around three-quarters of suicides were males (4,129 deaths; 74.0%), consistent with long-term trends, and equivalent to 16.0 deaths per 100,000, the rate for females was 5.5 deaths per 100,000.
- Among females, the age-specific suicide rate was highest in those aged 45 to 49 years (7.8 deaths per 100,000), while among males it was highest in those aged 50 to 54 years (22.7 deaths per 100,000).
- Females aged 24 years or under have seen the largest increase in the suicide rate since our time series began in 1981.
- In 10 out of the 11 previous years, London has had the lowest suicide rate of any region of England (6.6 deaths per 100,000), while the highest rate was in the North East with 14.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2021. (Office for National Statistics)
It is important there is an understanding of the factors which may increase the risk that someone may die from suicide. These include:
- Gender: men remain the most at-risk group within the general population and are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, the rate of suicide by women aged under 24 has increased in 2021 to the highest level since 1981 and female nurses have a 23% higher rate of suicide than other women.
- Age: highest rate of suicide in men is between 50-54 years and women between 45-49 years.
- Bereavement: there is a higher risk of suicide following the death of a loved one especially if by suicide.
- Sexual orientation and gender identity: the risk of suicide is significantly higher among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
- Mental Illness, which could be work-related but increasingly people could be employed with a pre-existing mental health condition which in the past might have been perceived as a reason not to employ them.
- Social deprivation: including debt, financial insecurity, and domestic violence.
Whatever the statistics someone will complete a suicide when they feel there is no other option and a complete sense of hopelessness.
When I think of the statistics around men, has society got a responsibility to support men more??? Especially given the historical messages have been that men are the “providers, protectors, the strong ones”. While we are seeing some changes in these thought processes and with the much publicity by Andy’s Man Club for example around Men’s Mental Health and the incredible work they do specifically for men around the UK, there is still room for improvement.
What are the signs that someone may be feeling suicidal?
It’s important to watch out for signs of distress and changes in behaviour. If you know someone well, you can often tell if they are behaving in a way that may indicate serious distress. For example, they may be withdrawn, appear unusually dishevelled or change how they make financial or personal plans.
Can I ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal?
There is evidence that shows if you ask someone if they’re suicidal, it can help protect them.1It’s ok to ask someone, “are you having suicidal thoughts?”. By asking directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden.
What can I do if someone tells me they’re having suicidal thoughts?
If someone does tell you they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Try to listen in an unhurried way without distractions. You don’t have to be able to solve their problems. The act of listening and being understanding will help. If you can, offer support and encourage them to talk about their feelings.
If you can, arrange to speak to them again at a specific time. This will show your ongoing support and will make them feel valued. It also gives them something to hold onto.
How can I be there for someone who’s feeling suicidal?
Simple actions can help you be there for someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or recovering from an attempt to take their own life. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing. (Mental Health Foundation)
We know that talking therapy can be hugely beneficial to someone who is struggling, holding a safe, confidential space for someone to talk about their most darkest thoughts can be so empowering for them.
It can also be a source of support in getting more specific help, providing a more holistic approach for example Mental Health Services, debt management.
Take a moment to reflect on where you at, check in with yourself, do a mental MOT.
Ask yourself these 10 questions:
1.How are you feeling today, really? Physically and mentally.
- What’s taking up most of your headspace right now?
- What was your last full meal, and have you been drinking enough water? Have you increased the intake or alcohol, substances or prescription medication?
- How have you been sleeping?
- What have you been doing for exercise?
- What did you do today that made you feel good?
- What’s something you can do today that would be good for you?
- What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next few days?
- What’s something you can do with someone else?
- What are you grateful for right now?
Consider how you answer these questions and what they are highlighting. You may be feeling a bit hopeless as if there is nothing to look forward to, stuck with a problem that isn’t within your control or struggling to look for a positive. This is time to reach out and chat to someone who can openly listen so you can help feel less isolated and may be look at something from a different perspective. Three leading factors that contribute to suicide are isolation, hopelessness/despair and feeling a burden.
If you or someone you know is feeling low and you are concerned about your or their well-being but don’t feel at immediate risk, you can get help from your GP, ringing 111 but also by contacting agencies such as:
SHOUT 85258 text service for mental health support: giveusashout.org
Samaritans Tel: 116123 or email: jo@samaritans.org.uk
SOS Silence of Suicide, Tel: 0300 1020 505, What, Where, Why – SOS (sossilenceofsuicide.org)
Papyrus (for under 35s) Tel: Hopeline 0800 0684141 I’m Thinking About Suicide | Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity (papyrus-uk.org)
Just for men contact C.A.L.M Tel: 0800 585858, webchat and online: thecalmzone.net
If you are worried about a colleague, there may be help available from Occupational Health, Human Resources, Mental Health First Aiders or an Employee Support Helpline/health insurance scheme
Kooth will be holding a free webinar about this issue for young people https://www.kooth.com/
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, you can call 999 or attend A&E for an urgent assessment. Supporting someone who is suicidal is hard for you. Rethink has great advice on this. Suicidal thoughts – How to support someone (rethink.org)
I hope that by sharing my experience that I will give someone the courage to reach out whether you are struggling yourself or watching a loved one suffer, we can help you.
Andrea Whittaker-Ward
Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Wellbeing Trainer
Email: wellness-consultancy@outlook.com
Website: thewellnessconsultancy.org
Helpful links
Man MOT | Men’s Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/world-suicide-prevention-day-2024