'Not talking about suicide doesn't make it go away' - do you know how to talk about suicide?
World Suicide Prevention Day hailed as an opportunity to start conversations with people who are struggling
Would you ask someone struggling with their mental health if they were feeling suicidal?
New research from Mental Health First Aid England has looked into whether people would be willing to open up a conversation with a colleague who is experiencing difficult times.
More than 6000 people die by suicide in the UK every year.
The research found:
- A third of people surveyed (33%) believe incorrectly that asking about suicide can put the idea in someone’s head
- Only one in ten (13%) know to ask a colleague they are worried about whether they have a plan to end their life
- Nearly 40% admitted they didn’t know if asking this question was the right thing to do.
MHFA England says all the evidence shows that asking someone, who has a plan to take their own life, a direct question about suicide can save their life.
Ask the question: 'Are you feeling suicidal?'
Despite positive shifts in how we talk about mental health at work and in wider society, suicide is still stigmatised.
MHFA England’s research shows a third (33%) of employees would speak to their manager if they were experiencing poor mental health but less than 1 in 5 (19%) would discuss having suicidal thoughts.
The top reasons are, not feeling comfortable (61%), being worried it would impact their job (36%) or that they would be judged (35%).
This research shows over 75% of employees do not believe suicide prevention is part of their organisation’s wellbeing strategy so MHFA England is calling on employers to explicitly include suicide awareness, prevention and support in their plan
Stigma about suicide still exists
Simon Blake, MHFA England’s Chief Executive said: “The stigma and silence surrounding suicide is harmful. To prevent deaths by suicide, we must do everything we can to eliminate stigma.
"Workplaces have the potential to play such an important role, yet our research shows a large number of people are unsure how to approach a colleague they are worried may be considering suicide.
This means they may not ask the lifesaving question – ‘are you thinking about ending your life?’
"Workplaces can help prevent suicides through awareness raising, education and ensuring support. Many people experiencing a suicide crisis are in workplaces day in day out. In addition, it is estimated that when someone dies by suicide, 135 people are affected.
“At MHFA England we want a society where everybody has the knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss suicide including at work. That is why we have produced a free resource to raise awareness about how we can support someone who may be experiencing a suicide crisis.”
Get support with your mental health
If you want to hear more people talking openly about mental health, then check out our weekly Mental Health Monday Podcast.
It contains more than 300 conversations about mental health, including support services, lived experiences and signposting
If you're struggling with your mental health and need to speak to someone, the Samaritans are available on 116 123
You can text SHOUT to 85258
Or find mental health services where you are using www.hubofhope.co.uk
If someone's life is in immediate danger call 999.