World Suicide Prevention Day: Why mental health is so important, where to get help and how to build awareness

Start the conversation about mental health this World Suicide Prevention Day 
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Georgia Chambers10 September 2018

Every year, almost 80,000 people across the world take their own lives. In the UK alone, more than 6,000 people commit suicide each year - an average of 18 per day.

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, an annual event designed to raise awareness of suicide and reach out to those who are struggling to cope.

Suicide has been amongst the top leading causes of death across the globe for many years, and campaigners are saying more needs to be done to address how we talk about suicide in society.

In an open letter, backed by celebrities and MPs, the campaigners behind World Suicide Prevention day are urging journalists to think about the way in which it is reported.

"We still read that a person has 'committed suicide,' suggesting suicide is either a sin or a crime, or both," the letter reads. "It has not been a crime in the UK since 1961."

For everything you need to know about World Suicide Prevention Day, including what to do if you are having suicidal feelings, read the below:

When is World Suicide Prevention Day and why is it important?

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual event organised by International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It's held every year on 10 September to raise awareness about suicide - talking openly about it, and mental health, is the key to prevention.

People who are suicidal often think no one cares about them. Being listened to, and heard, can make a huge difference.

When it comes to talking about suicide, progress is being made. The suicide rate among men, who traditionally make up a large majority of suicides, has fallen according to ONS figures released last week. However, there are still challenges which must be addressed - one of which is the alarming frequency of self-harm amongst young women. According to the Children's Society, one in four girls aged 14 self-harmed in the last year.

World Suicide Prevention Day reminds people that it's okay to talk, whilst shining a spotlight on those most vulnerable.

What can I do to help?

Talk to friends, colleagues or family members if you think they're struggling and make efforts to check in on them.

Starting a conversation about suicide can seem daunting, but it's often just asking someone if they're okay.

Although it may not be obvious whether someone is having suicidal feelings, the NHS has a list of warning signs you should watch out for.

Samaritans have tops on how to start a difficult conversation.

What to do if you're having suicidal thoughts

If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe, seek immediate help by:

1.) Visiting any A & E hospital

2.) Calling 999 and asking for an ambulance

3.) Asking someone else to contact 999 for you or take you to A & E

If you need some support right now but don't want to go to A & E:

1.) Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 - their phone service is 24 hours.

2.) Contact your GP for an emergency appointment

3.) Call NHS 111

4.) Contact your local crisis team

5.) Visit Mind and click the yellow 'I need urgent help' button

You can also find help and support through the following links:

Call them Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463.

CALM is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide.

You can call them any day between 5 pm and midnight on 0800 58 58 58.

Childline is for anyone under 19.

You can call them on 0800 1111 at any time. They also have a 1-2-1 counsellor you can chat to online.

The Silver Line is a service for older people.

You can contact them 24 hours a day on 0800 470 80 90.

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