Every year on World Suicide Prevention Day we campaign with over 70 other suicide prevention and mental health groups who are part of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA).
The theme for this year is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ which aims to empower people with the confidence to engage with the complexity of ‘hope’.
Throughout the day we will be raising awareness that it’s OK to ask about suicidal thoughts. It could save a life.
We are encouraging people not to be afraid to talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are worried about someone.
Evidence shows that asking someone if they’re suicidal doesn’t make things worse, it can protect people, as it provides a crucial opportunity to open up, express their feelings and seek help.
To help initiate conversations around suicidal thoughts, Samaritans has suggested asking direct questions including ‘Have you thought about ending your life?’ and ‘Are you saying that you want to die?’, as well as providing some tips:
Just being there to listen and showing you care can help. Here are some ways you might tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you’re worried about:
- 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
It's normal to feel anxious about asking someone if they’re suicidal, but it could save someone's life. Try and avoid saying things like ‘you’re not thinking of doing something stupid are you?’ Being patient and showing you care builds trust and helps someone to open up.
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?
Find out more about how to help someone with suicidal thoughts:
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