NHS Western Isles encourages people to start the conversation about suicide and mental health this Suicide Prevention Week

This week marks Suicide Prevention Week, running from Sunday 8th September until Saturday 14th September. Suicide Prevention Week aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention. Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.

You can help give someone hope by showing that you care. All of us can play a role, no matter how small. We may never know what we do that makes a difference. We all can reach in and ask somebody. You do not need to tell them what to do or have solutions, but simply making the time and space to listen to someone about their experiences of distress or suicidal thoughts can help. Small talk can save lives and creates a sense of connection and hope in somebody who may be struggling.

Start the conversation

There are many ways to start a conversation about suicide and mental health. Here are some tips on how to open up a conversation with someone you are worried about:

• Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions
• Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer, such as “How are things, I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself?”
• Listen well and ask how they are feeling, such as “How’s that making you feel?”
• Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong or what they should do
• Ask if they are feeling suicidal and help them get the support they need

If you yourself are struggling you might be feeling so upset, angry and in pain that you believe these feelings will never end. But it's important to remember that they cannot and will not last. Like all feelings, these ones will pass. There is hope. There are people who will listen and can help.

There are steps you can take right now to stop yourself from acting on your suicidal thoughts. Everyone is different, so it's about finding what works best for you.

These are some practical tips that other people have found helpful when they've felt suicidal.

• Get through the next five minutes –  Taking things minute by minute can help make things more bearable. Reward yourself each time five minutes have passed.
• Follow your safety plan or crisis plan if you have one
• Tell yourself you can get through this –
• at times, we can concentrate on the negative things we tell ourselves and lose hope.
• Repeating to yourself that you can get past these feelings can help you regain hope and focus on getting through it.
• Tell someone how you're feeling – whether it's a friend, family member or even a pet, telling someone else how you're feeling can help you feel less alone and more in control.

If you can't talk to someone you know, call a helpline or listening service.

Samaritans – For immediate emotional support 24/7 and 365 days of the year call or text Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also write to jo@samaritans.org

Papyrus – For young people under the age of 35 or concerns a young person is thinking of suicide call Papyrus Hopeline 24/7 – 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.

NHS 111 – call NHS 111 and select the mental health option – this is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the team will help you find the support and help you need

Message a text line

If you don’t want to talk to someone over the phone, these other text lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.

Shout Crisis Text Line (for everyone): Text “SHOUT” to 85258

YoungMindsCrisis Messenger (for people under 19): Text “YM” to 85258.

Remember that these thoughts cannot and will not last. Like all feelings, these ones will pass. There is hope. There are people who will listen and can help.