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Changing the Narrative: World Suicide Prevention Day

Every year on 10th September, World Suicide Prevention Day shares the message that suicide is preventable.

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative.” Opening up and changing how we talk about suicide can save lives.

Suicide is a global health issue. Some of the statistics are startling.

More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year. Globally, the suicide rate is twice as high in men. Data for England showed three times as many men than women died by suicide in 2023.

Changing the Narrative

A Samaritans poll said 71% of us were comfortable talking about mental health. But fewer than half – 45% – were comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts.

Changing this could save lives.

Open, honest conversation makes it easier for people to express their feelings and get support.

Suicidal thoughts can be complex, frightening and confusing. But they’re more common than we might think. 1 in 5 of us will experience them in our lives.

To help, we want to share some tips from the Samaritans about how to break the cycle and start talking openly about suicide. There are also links and resources that can help you, or someone you are concerned about.

Watch for changes

People having suicidal thoughts might be going through a lot of emotions, like feeling trapped, hopeless, or feeling that everything is too much. 

Everyone copes and reacts in their own way. But there can be signs when people are struggling.

Some signs to look out for include when someone is:

  • Distancing themselves or not replying to messages
  • Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless or trapped
  • Not doing the things they usually enjoy
  • Finding day-to-day tasks difficult

Speak Up

The hardest words to say can be the most important.

Let someone know you are there for them; if they need it, support is available.

The Samaritans have tips to help you start that conversation. Find a quiet, safe space. Listen without judgement and ask open questions. Just having someone there to listen can make all the difference.

Play your Part

If you’re worried about someone, take the lead and start the conversation. Asking how they feel shows you care.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about the thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help.

Ditch the Stigma

The same Samaritans poll showed that 71% of UK adults didn’t know how common suicidal thoughts were. One person in every five – 20% of the population will have them.

Changing the narrative is about making these conversations more normal. They may not always be easy, but that can be hugely important.

Help and Support

There are organisations that can offer support for whatever you are going through.

Samaritans

Call 116 123
Visit samaritans.org
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Tyneside Mind Support Line

Call 0191 477 4545 (8am to 10pm)
Visit tynesidemind.org.uk

Newcastle Crisis Team

Call 0191 814 8899 (24/7)
Call 0800 652 2863 (freephone)
Text 07919 228 548 (for people who are deaf/have communications difficulties)

Age UK Advice Line

Call0800 678 1602
Lines are open 8 am – 7 pm, 365 days a year.

Beat Eating Disorders

Call 0808 801 0677
Helplines are open 365 days a year from 3 pm-8 pm during the week, and 5 pm-9 pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Campaign Against Living Miserably – Calm

Call 0800585858
5 pm-midnight, 365 days a year

Combat Stress

For veterans’ mental Health
Call 08001381619
24-hour helpline

The Compassionate Friends

Supporting bereaved parents and their families
Call 03451232304
Open 10 am – 4 pm, 7 – 10 pm every day of the year

The Trussell Trust

Call 08082082138
Helpline for those struggling to afford essentials
Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
Closed on bank holidays.

Newcastle Carers

Call 0191 275 5060 (10 am to 4 pm)
Visit newcastlecarers.org.uk

North East Council on Addictions

Call 0191 222 1262
Visit neca.co.uk

No Panic

Call 0300 772 9844 (helpline)
Call 0330 606 1174 (youth line)
Visit nopanic.org.uk

Money Helper

Call 08001387777
Mon-Fri 8 am – 6 pm
Sat, Sun & bank holidays – Closed

The National Association for People Abused in

Childhood (NAPAC)

Call 08088010331
Monday-Thurs 10 am-9 pm
Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Sat & Sun – Closed

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence.
Call 08082000247

The Silver Line

Helpline for older, lonely & isolated people
Call 08004708090
24 hours, 7 days a week

Cruse Bereavement Support

Call 08088081677

LGBT Foundation

Call 03453303030
9 am – 9 pm on a weekday and 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals).

Men’s advice line

For victims of domestic abuse
Call 08088010327
Mon – Fri 10 am – 5 pm

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