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Join Pendle Samaritans in Skipton on Saturday 10th September, to help raise awareness of our services.
With the cost of living rising sharply, following an incredibly challenging few years, people may find themselves or loved ones feeling more worried or anxious. Samaritans - the UK’s leading suicide prevention charity - is trying to reduce the stigma around suicide and urging people to look out for each other.
To mark this World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), Pendle Samaritans is in Skipton, encouraging people not to be afraid to talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are worried about someone, or are perhaps having suicidal thoughts themselves.
Volunteer Alan and crew will be heading up a stall on Skipton market, with volunteers also on hand at the local Morrisons, so please feel free to come and talk to us.
Often people worry about discussing suicide, feeling that talking about it will make things worse. Evidence shows, however, that not only does asking someone if they're suicidal not make things worse, it may, in fact, help.
Giving people the time and space to open up, can provide a crucial opportunity to express their true feelings and seek help.
At Samaritans, we know it can be hard knowing where to start when having difficult conversations, which is why we've come up with a few useful 'little tips' to help you get talking.
Little tips for helping someone open up when something's up
1. How to spot when something might be up
Signs to look out for:
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy.
- Finding everyday things overwhelming.
- Not replying to messages or being distant.
- Avoiding people or seeming quiet.
- Appearing restless or agitated.
- Easily tearful.
- Drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings.
2. How to open up a conversation
Showing you care builds trust to open up:
- Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions.
- Use open questions that need more than a yes no answer.
- 'How are things? I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself.’
- Listen well. ‘How’s that making you feel?’
- Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do.
3. Asking about suicidal thoughts
It’s OK to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. You could ask:
- Have you thought about ending your life?
- Are you saying that you want to die?
- Are you thinking of ending your life because you want to be dead, or is it because you want the situation you’re in or the way you feel to stop?
It’s normal to feel anxious about asking, but it could save someone’s life. Remember, just being there to listen and showing you care can help.
4.How to help someone get more help
If it feels like the person is really struggling to cope:
- ‘Would you like to get some help?’
- ‘Have you talked to your GP?’
- ‘Would you like me to come with you?’
- ‘You can call or email Samaritans for free, day or night.’
- ‘If it helps, you can talk to me any time.’
- If you think it’s an emergency or someone has tried to harm themselves – call 999.
To download and keep your own copy of Samaritans' 'Little tips', please click here:
We're here 24/7 if you need to talk.
Contact us on our freephone number: 116 123 or email [email protected]