#TalkSuicide to save a life in Staffordshire
Staffordshire County Council is urging people to speak out and look out for others
Staffordshire County Council is urging people to speak out about their mental health and not to suffer - or let anyone suffer in silence.
Tragically, around 2,000 years of life are prematurely lost to suicide across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent each year.
Now, people are getting on board with their #TalkSuicide campaign - like Andy Hogan-Hughes who's a Forensic Collision Investigator at Staffordshire Police.
He bottled up his emotions and work pressures for more than 12 years which almost led him to end his life.
"Life was at times a bit like being on a coaster, I used to get two points where I've had enough of this trip, I want to get off the bus. And that was a little bit like life." said Andy.
"For me, I thought it was all very subtle. So that confused me a little bit because people talk about having these huge low depressions and preparing suicide. And that kind of wasn't how it was, for me, it was very, very gradual and very, very subtle.
"I kept my mouth shut, and then got to the point where I was broken"
"It's really easy to say speak up, and I was the worst for not doing it for about 12 years, I kept my mouth shut, and then got to the point where I was broken. What you'll find as time goes on is it begins to snowball out of control, whereas I think if you can stop it and help it in the first place, early on, you'll probably do a lot better."
Andy's main advice is to be open and honest, that's to both people experiencing stress, anxiety or battling depression - and people who may know or see someone they think needs help.
"There's no shame especially as a man"
"As small as that support might be - going and having a brew with your friend - do it.
"You would always go to the hospital if you've broken your arm and there is no difference with what I call the psychological injury or psychological illness."
Facts about suicide
Men are more at risk
The highest suicide rate in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is among men in their 40s and 50s.
This is because the pressure on men to be strong, independent, tough and 'together', often discourages them from seeking help and talking about how they feel. And the stigma of mental health prevents many men from sharing their feelings.
Andy said often he felt the immense pressure of peoples expectations of the police to be "big, rough and tough police officers who can walk in a break up a fight" was one of the main reasons he hit breaking point - feeling unable to share his distress and psychological upset.
Now he aims to end the stigma entirely, and encourages anyone - no matter what gender or stereotype - to speak up and engage in conversation about feelings.
Talking about suicide doesn’t make it happen
There’s no easy way to ask someone if they're feeling suicidal. But it won’t make it more likely. Talking and listening can help prevent suicide.
Suicide can be prevented
People who experience suicidal thoughts often don’t want to die, they simply want their pain to stop.
Emotional support and understanding offered to someone who feels like they can’t go on can have a hugely positive effect. If people feel they can ask for help and find it when they need it, then more suicides can be prevented.
Suicidal thoughts are more common than you think
Suicidal thoughts are often the result of emotional or physical pain, stress or unhappiness. These situations can affect anyone and everyone.
Remember, mentioning suicide to someone who’s already thinking about it will not encourage them to go through with it. Talking and listening can help prevent suicide.
Suicide isn’t always caused by a big traumatic event
Most suicides are actually caused by a build-up of stressful or painful events over time, rather than one single cause.
You can’t tell by looking
Someone who appears happy, successful, strong and together can be struggling immensely. If you recognise a warning sign from someone you don’t think could possibly be suicidal, take it seriously and use it as an opportunity to have an honest conversation.
What is the #TalkSuicide campaign?
#TalkSuicide is a campaign that aims to bring individuals, organisations and businesses together to help prevent suicide in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
It works to help prevent suicide by:
- making it easier for people to talk about suicide
- increasing awareness about the myths, facts and stats around suicide
- giving local people easy access to suicide prevention training and community training.
- bringing individuals, communities, organisations and businesses together to get involved and take action in their local area to support the campaign.
Anyone and everyone can join by clicking here
Need to talk?
If you do not feel you can keep yourself, or someone else safe from immediate risk of harm, call 999.
If someone's life is at risk because they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose, call 999.
Call the Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline - a confidential emotional support helpline, offering a safe place to talk if you’re feeling worried, stressed or low, or if you're concerned about someone else. Available 7.00pm to 2.00am on weekdays and 2.00pm to 2.00am at weekends. Call 0808 800 2234 Text 0786 002 2821.
Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text 'YM' if you're under 19.
Call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.