10/09/22
𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕝𝕝, 𝕝𝕖𝕥'𝕤 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕣𝕚𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕕𝕖.
'Suicide most likely happens in the winter months.'
Suicide is most common during the spring and summer months, the theory behind this is that the warmer weather increases energy levels and with that more self destructive behaviour.
'They do it for attention.'
People struggling with suicidal thoughts have done everything they can to try and stop themselves from feeling the way they do. They may have little support around them or a whole support network around them but inside, all they want to do is get rid of the searing pain that constantly haunts their bodies.
'They are selfish'
Suicide or suicidal ideation is not a selfish act, they are in incredible amounts of pain and cannot see a way out of it. It can be debilitating and often they can feel they are a burden on their family and friends which reinforces their belief that suicide is the best option.
'People who are suicidal want to die'
If I could offer two pills to someone who was feeling suicidal; the first pill would end their life and the second pill would take away all their pain so they could feel happiness again, the majority of people would opt for pill 2.
Suicide for most people is a way to end the physical and mental torture they experience daily because they cannot see another way out.
'Talking about suicide or asking someone about their thoughts/feelings about suicide will increase the likely hood that they will end their lives.'
Many people who are struggling with suicidal ideation are trapped in their own minds because no one likes to talk about death, they don't want to upset the other person or be shut down by the other person who may respond with "don't talk like that" or "but you have so much to live for." etc.
Fears and feelings shared are more likely to decrease in size and become less heavy for the person experiencing them. Starting the conversation off is the first step, give them space to talk, don't try to fix them. If you are unsure how to talk to a loved one about suicidal ideation, seek support from trusted websites and offer to help them access mental health support from a trained counsellor, their GP, The Samaritans or their local crisis team. Stay connected with them and reassure them that you are here.
'If someone wants to end their life then there is nothing that can be done.'
Suicide can be prevented with the right support in place.
Common signs that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts:
Change in behaviour, becoming more irritable, snappy and distant
Talking about wanting to die
Regularly upset/crying
Distancing themselves from friends and family
Sudden reckless or impulsive behaviour (lack of care for danger to self)
Changes in sleep patterns
Substance misuse
Feelings of worthlessness
Lack of ambitions for the future
Loss of enjoyment from previous hobbies/interests
If you are reading this and you relate to any of this content, please reach out to a trusted friend, a counsellor, your GP or The Samaritans. You may feel like you have tried everything, or no one can help you. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed for having these feelings. You may feel it is your fault and there isn't another option. You are not alone.
One to one counselling with a trained professional can help you figure these thoughts and feelings out, they can help you to feel less alone in what you are experiencing and they can sit with you during those really dark moments.
Suicide helplines:
The Samaritans: 116 123
SP - UK: 0800 20689 205652
CALM: 0800 58 58 58
SHOUT
Text Shout to:85258
MIND: 0300 123 3393
YoungMinds
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 11 11
Comments