Suicide Prevention Month
September – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to an end, I thought this was a very important time to discuss the very important subject of suicide.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people. In 2018, 759 young people took their own life in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Every single one of these deaths is a tragedy that devastates families, friends and communities.
It is also particularly concerning that suicide in young people is increasing in the UK. Suicide is complex and it is rarely caused by one thing. However, we know that some risk factors – such as self-harm and academic pressures – are particularly common among young people.
More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED.
Why do young people take their own life?
It’s proven that the death of loved ones, abuse, neglect, self-harm, mental or physical ill health, and experiencing academic pressures are just a few of the common risk factors for suicide among young people. Although, many young people will experience these stresses and don’t go on to take their own lives.
Warning Signs
There are two types of suicidal statements. An example of an active statement might be: “I’m going to kill myself.” A passive statement might include, “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up”. People sometimes ignore passive statements, but they should be taken just as seriously.
Behavioural Markers can include:
Isolating from others
Not communicating with friends or family
Giving away possessions or writing a will
Increased aggression
Increased drug and alcohol use
Searching about suicide on the Internet
Gathering materials (pills or a weapon)
A large number of people do not think that children and teens can be at risk for suicide, but they can exhibit warning signs just like adults. If a child is talking about suicide or wanting to die, always take them seriously. An event or problem that might not seem like a big deal to an adult can be extremely stressful for a child or teenager. Children and teens might be at risk for suicide if they:
Experience bullying
Lose someone close to them
Experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Abuse drugs or alcohol
Have a history of mental illness
Feel uncertain about their sexual orientation
Suicide is something you can prevent, and many people who feel worthless can go on to live happy and healthy lives. You can’t control other people’s actions however you can make a big impact in other peoples lives. How can you help someone choose life?
If a person is having suicidal thoughts, if you need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen. I’m not going to judge you or tell you what to do. Everything is to be taken at your own pace. Click here for more information, and to book a session: https://www.zenlifewellbeing.com or text 85258 to be connected with a trained crisis volunteer.