Save Lives - Reach out & Help Prevent Suicide

11/09/2020

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day that brings awareness to a very important subject.

It is observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health to host it.

800,000 people a year take their own lives, according to the World Health Organization. Mental health does not discriminate, all ages, races and income levels are at risk, however it is young people, especially LGBTQ young people, who are the most likely to contemplate suicide with it being the third leading cause of death in 15- to 19-year-olds globally, the agency says. Following that are gay, bisexual and trans men.

Suicide has a number of complex interrelated and underlying factors that can contribute to the feelings of emotional pain and hopelessness.

In addition, experts fear suicidal thoughts may escalate due to economic hardship and stress caused by Covid-19. So it important to know that there are services specifically in place to support those who are struggling with their mental health. Talking with someone about how you’re feeling can be the first steps in receiving the support you or your loved ones need.

If you’ve been affected by this or know someone who is struggling there are some wonderful organisations out there specifically focussed on supporting people with their mental health, these are:

The Samaritans 116 123

CALMS - thecalmzone.net 0800 58 58 58

LGBT Switchboard- switchboard.lgbt

0300 330 0630

And in 999 if in high levels of distress.”

USEFUL LINKS:

https://www.thecalmzone.net/

https://www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/lgbtq-resources-brighto...

http://www.queerfutures.co.uk/help/

http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline

https://111.nhs.uk/

http://bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline/