Thursday, 7 September 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day: How you can help

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday (10 September), Steps2Wellbeing is urging people to reach out to anyone who might be struggling.

The theme of the day is 'creating hope through action' and we've worked together with our NHS trust, Dorset HealthCare to set out some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you're worried about.

Senior Service and Clinical Lead for Steps2Wellbeing, Ailsa Greenlees, said:“Anyone can have suicidal thoughts, and they can be distressing or frightening for the person who is experiencing them. By being there for someone to listen and show you care can help.

“We can all make a difference by reaching out to someone in their darkest moments, supporting friends and colleagues who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or others bereaved by suicide. No one needs to suffer alone.”

We can all take action by starting a conversation with someone by:

• Choosing a good time, and a place where there are no distractions

• using open questions that need more than a yes/no answer. For example – “How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?”

• being a good listener

• avoiding giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do. Instead, find out what help is available and signpost to it.

Ailsa added: “It’s also important to remember that free, non-judgemental help and support is available, and we encourage anyone feeling down, stressed, worried, in a crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts to reach out for support as soon as possible.”

Help if you live in Dorset

If you live in Dorset there are a range of services to support people. Access Mental Health services are on hand to help when needed, and you don’t have to be referred by a GP or health professional.

You can seek support for yourself or ask for advice about a friend or family member.

Services include:

• Connection – a 24/7 helpline open to all ages. Anyone in Dorset can call 0800 652 0190, or NHS 111, for free

• The Retreat – a drop-in service in Bournemouth and Dorchester, run in partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum, which allows adults to talk through problems with a mental health worker or peer specialist face to face

• Community Front Rooms – a face-to-face drop-in support service for adults in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and Weymouth. They are run by local charities – The Burrough Harmony Centre (Bridport), Hope (Shaftesbury) and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (Wareham and Weymouth) – and are all staffed by mental health and peer support workers.

• Call NHS 111 for mental health support

• Always call 999 in an emergency

Help if you live in Southampton City

If you live in Southampton City, there are numerous support services available:

• Call NHS 111 or use this online tool for mental health support

• Visit the Southern Health website for information on local support services

• Contact the Samaritans to talk confidentially 24/7 by calling 116 123

• The Lighthouse Southampton - text ‘lighthouse’ to 074 5127 6010 between 4.30pm and 11.30pm. Lighthouse staff will contact you via phone or text

• Text HANTS to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19

• Always call 999 in an emergency

Get help as soon as you feel you need it

If you have been feeling unable to cope, low, stressed or worried – it’s never too early to get help.

Steps2Wellbeing is the free NHS talking therapies service for anxiety and depression and provides mental health support for Dorset and Southampton City residents who are feeling down, stressed or worried.

Support is given through talking therapies, online courses and guided self-help, and can also help people who are having problems at work or living with a long-term health condition to improve their mental wellbeing.

A few years ago, 67-year-old Elaine Digby was at an all-time low and very tired. But she found a way to recovery by reaching out for help from Steps2Wellbeing.

She said:“I was a full-time carer to my dad with dementia, as well as looking after my mum. I stopped caring for myself and things went to pot at home. The counselling from Steps2Wellbeing helped me find ways to look after myself better, and gradually I faced things I needed to tackle.

“The counselling also helped me deal with childhood issues that were coming to the surface. My situation hasn’t changed but my ability to deal with it has.”

You can refer yourself with no need for a GP appointment here.