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If you are in a crisis please reach out
The 24/7 Crisis Mental Health Helpline for anyone living in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale requiring urgent mental health support.
Call 0800 014 9995
Suicide prevention is a crucial public health effort aimed at reducing the risk of suicide and providing support to individuals in distress.
Suicide can result from a complex interplay of factors, including mental health conditions, life challenges and feelings of hopelessness. Recognising the warning signs, offering support, and promoting open conversations about mental health are key steps in preventing suicide.
With the right interventions, including access to mental health services, strong support networks and crisis resources, many suicides can be prevented.
The signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviours can vary, but recognising them early can be critical in preventing suicide.
Emotional Symptoms
- Feeling Hopeless or Trapped - Expressed feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or that life has no purpose.
- Extreme Mood Swings - Experiencing sudden changes in mood, from deep sadness to calmness or happiness, especially after a period of depression.
- Talk of Death or Suicide - Openly talking about wanting to hurt oneself, or not wanting to live anymore.
- Withdrawal - Pulling away from friends, family, or social activities, feeling isolated and alone.
- Increased Anxiety or Agitation - Feeling restless or overly worried, with an inability to relax.
- Guilt or Shame - Expressing feelings of being a burden to others or overwhelming guilt or shame.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Changes in Sleep Patterns - Sleeping too much or too little, or experience significant changes in sleeping habits.
- Giving Away Possessions - giving away personal items or making arrangements for their belongings, which can indicating planning for the future without them.
- Self-Destructive Behaviours - Increased use of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, or engaging in risky or harmful activities.
- Saying Goodbye - Saying goodbye to friends or family as though it's for the last time, or expressing final thoughts in letters or social media posts.
- Loss of Interest - Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable.
Physical Symptoms
- Changes in Eating Habits - Either loss of appetite or overeating, leading to noticeable weight changes.
- Fatigue or Lack of Energy - Feeling tired all the time or drained, with no motivation to engage in daily tasks.
- Physical Complaints - Unexplained aches, pains or physical complaints, often tied to underlying emotional distress
Preventing suicide involves both addressing the underlying causes and providing immediate support for the individuals at risk. There are various approaches to treatment and prevention, which include professional help, support networks, and personal strategies.
1. Professional Treatment
- Mental Health Counselling - Therapy especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can help individuals manage thoughts of suicide by addressing negative thinking patterns and teaching coping strategies.
- Medication - Antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or anti-anxiety medications can help treat underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, which can reduce suicidal thoughts.
- Crisis Intervention - In immediate risk situations, hospitalisations or crisis centres provide a safe space for individuals to receive intensive support and care.
- Suicide Prevention Hotlines - 24/7 crisis helplines, like the Samaritans in the UK offer confidential supoprt to those in distress and can connect individuals with the help they need.
2. Support Networks
- Family and Friends - A strong support systems can be one of the most effective preventions. Encouraging open conversation, offering emotional support, and staying connected can make a significant difference.
- Peer Support Groups - Being around others who have similar experiences can help individuals feel less alone. Support groups, either in person or online, provide a safe space to share and find comfort.
- Community Programmes - Local community initiatives, like mental health workshops or awareness campaigns, can help at risk individuals find the resources they need.
3. Building Protective Factors
- Developing Coping Skills - Encourage healthy ways to handle stress, anxiety, and emotional pain such as mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques can help reduce suicidal thoughts.
- Enhancing Resilience - Fostering problem-solving skills and emotional resilience through therapy or support groups can help individuals better cope with life's challenges.
- Strengthening Social Connections - Maintain close relationships with family, friends, or colleagues can provide emotional security and a sense of belonging, which reduces feelings of isolation.
4. Reducing Access to Means
- Restricting Access to Harmful Tools - Removing or limiting access to tools or methods that could be used for self-harm, such as medications or sharp objects can prevent impulsive actions.
- Safe Environment - Creating a safe environment at home or work by reducing stressors or triggers that may increase feelings of despair or hopelessness.
5. Public Awareness and Education
- Raising Awareness - Increasing awareness of the signs of suicidal behaviour through public health campaigns, schools, and workpaces can help more people recognise when someone needs help.
- Encouraging Conversations - Reducing the stigma around mental health and suicide by encouraging open discussions in communities can make it easier for individuals to seek support.
Preventing suicide involves a collaborative approach that includes professional treatment, strong support networks, and creating environments that promote mental well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it's important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
Support Services
Page last reviewed: 22 October 2024
Next review due: 22 October 2025