Suicide Prevention Advice Issued For Yorkshire Coast Residents

Local mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind is using World Suicide Prevention day today (Thursday 10th September) to raise awareness of the topic, share some top tips, and dispel myths that often surround suicide.

It says there were 6,507 registered suicides in the UK in 2018 - which amounts to one death by suicide every 80 minutes. Yorkshire and Humber had some of the highest rates of suicide in England in 2018.

The charity says it knows that every suicide is preventable, and want local people to have the skills and knowledge needed to be able to support someone who may feel suicidal – should they ever need it.

Emma Dallimore, Chief Executive at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind said:

“Every year over 6000 people die through suicide. Talking about the problem of suicide is still seen as a difficult subject, and yet talking can make a huge difference. Many people in our area are affected by suicide - they may have lost a loved one, considered it themselves, or know someone who struggles with thoughts of suicide.

The important thing to remember is that suicides are preventable. By being open, and by talking about suicide, more people will feel that they can talk about their feelings. We hope that by raising awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day, and every other day of the year, more people can get the help they need, when they need it most.”

Hull and East Yorkshire Mind have shared a series of tips to think about when talking to someone who may feel suicidal:

• Ask open questions - These are questions that invite someone to say more than 'yes' or 'no', such as 'How have you been feeling?' or 'What happened next?' There are more ideas for open questions on the Samaritans website.

• Give them time - You might feel anxious to hear their answers, but it helps if you let them take the time they need. This is a really hard situation for the individual.

• Take them seriously - People who talk about suicide do sometimes act on their feelings — it's a common myth that they don't. It's best to assume that they are telling the truth about feeling suicidal.

• Try not to judge - You might feel shocked, upset or frightened, but it's important not to blame the person for how they are feeling. They may have taken a big step by telling you.

• Don't skirt around the topic - There is still a taboo around talking about suicide which can make it even harder for people experiencing these feelings to open up and feel understood. Direct questions about suicide like 'Are you having suicidal thoughts?' or 'Have you felt like you want to end your life?' can help someone talk about how they are feeling.

Hull and East Yorkshire Mind is working with Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership on a new service to support local people who have been bereaved by suicide. The Together service is here for people of all ages in the East Riding. It offers free emotional and practical support to individuals of any age who have lost someone to suicide.

If you would like more information, please call Freephone 0800 1380990, local number 01482 240133 or email info@heymind.org.uk. You can also text us on 07520633477.

The charity is also encouraging people to show support for suicide prevention by lighting candles in their windows at 8pm - to remember lost loved ones and for the survivors of suicide. The candle lighting takes place around the world and symbolises support for suicide prevention.

Hull and East Yorkshire Mind have information on their website to support someone who may be in a crisis – please visit https://www.heymind.org.uk/suicide-prevention-support-in-a-crisis/