Suicide Prevention Week in the Western Isles 7/9/11
Choose Life Western Isles will mark local Suicide Prevention Week (from this weekend) to encourage people in the Western Isles to watch out for signs that someone they know might be feeling suicidal, invite that person to talk to them about how they are feeling and – crucially – ask them directly if they are feeling suicidal.
Last year, three people in the Western Isles lost their lives to suicide, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends, partners and carers.
Elaine MacKay, NHS Western Isles Choose Life Co-
“Mentioning suicide isn’t going to put the thought in their head if it wasn’t there before; and if it was, they’ll probably be relieved that you’ve mentioned it. Suicide can affect anyone and it’s not a subject that should be hidden.”
She added: “Talking can help a person get clarity about what it is that’s troubling them, and often gives a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle.
“You don’t need to have an answer to their problems – just be there for them, try to listen carefully without judging, and show that you care.”
She highlighted: “These are the first steps in developing a sense of hope, and you might have helped to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.”
To support people in the Western Isles to do this, Choose Life is making a wide range of resources available that can help. A range of key agencies across the Western Isles will be provided with key message cards for the public to pick up which contain simple ‘how to help’ steps and details of Breathing Space and Samaritans helplines.
Also freely available is ‘The Art of Conversation’ booklet, which gives advice on spotting signs that someone may be at risk of suicide, starting conversations, being a good listener and sources of further help.
While suicide continues to affect people living in more deprived areas, and young men are particularly vulnerable, suicide is a complex issue and suicidal feelings can impact on anybody at any point in time, normally due to a build up of problems and feelings of hopelessness that are so acute, suicide is seen as the only way to escape the pain.
If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide,
contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours) or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85
87 (Mon-