Scotland is Working Together to Prevent Suicide – including across the Western Isles

Locally NHS Western Isles is running Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month from 10^th September to 10^th October 2018. Launching on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10^th), this is an opportunity to acknowledge that suicide is preventable – and that it is everyone's business.

The continuing Choose Life ‘Read Between the Lines’ campaign asks everyone to be alert to the warning signs of suicide in people close to them. If you’re worried about someone, such as a friend, family member or workmate, asking them directly about their feelings can help to save their life.

Signs of suicide can be difficult to spot which is why the campaign encourages people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if it seems a person is living a normal life. People can feel assured that asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference. 

Working Together to Prevent Suicide

The emotional impact on families, friends and communities bereaved by suicide is devastating and can have long lasting negative effects on those left behind.

Whilst it is difficult to put an exact cost on the economic and social impact of a suicide; a national figure of £1.5 million per individual has been estimated[1] – and the ripple effect on families, friends and communities adds another dimension which would increase this figure dramatically.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and the new Suicide Prevention Action Plan for Scotland – Every Life Matters – continues to support the National Outcome to enable people to live longer, healthier lives.

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “Every life matters and no death by suicide should be regarded as either acceptable or inevitable. Over the past decade, Scotland has made real progress in reducing deaths by suicide but we want to go further. Our view is that suicide is preventable, and where anyone contemplating suicide or who has lost a loved one to suicide should get the support they need.

“If we are to achieve this, we need to make clear that suicide prevention is everyone’s business. We need to work together across sectors and organisations to identify and support people in distress, strengthen communities, and save lives.”

Elaine MacKay, Choose Life Co-ordinator/Suicide Prevention Lead in the Western Isles, said: “If someone you are close to shows signs of not being themselves, you will normally notice. When changes in their behaviour begin to worry you – even if the signs come and go – the most important aspect is to ask them about it.

“Talking openly about their feelings can help a person get clarity about what is troubling them. Starting this conversation helps them gain a perspective on their distress. You don’t need to have a solution to their problems – being there for them and listening, without judgement, shows that you care and their distress, and ultimately their happiness, is important to you.”

Elaine added: “Ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought into their head if it wasn’t there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to open up fully and acknowledge they need help and support. By taking the time to show you care and are there to listen, you could change their life.”

Training to Raise Awareness

Raising awareness of suicide prevention and giving the public information is vital. During 2018 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month, activities across the Western Isles include a number of training courses offered, ranging from a one hour suicideTALK to two and a half hours safeTALK courses.  Although the training courses for Lewis and Harris are now fully booked, dates still remain to attend in Uist and Barra.

Uist:

suicideTALK – 3rd October 11am – 12PM; Ceilidh Room, Kildonan Museum 

safeTALK – 17th September 2pm -4.30pm; HHP office , Balivanich

Barra:

suicideTALK – 4^th October 10am-11am; Castlebay

safeTALK – 4^th October 12.30-3pm; Castlebay

Leave the Light On service

There will also be a ‘Leave the Light On’ Service on Friday 28^th September 2018 at 7pm in the High Church in Stornoway. This service will provide an opportunity to remember a lost loved one and to support those who have been bereaved through any loss, not just by suicide.

There will be tea and coffee and an opportunity to talk after the event.  This event is open to everyone, regardless of faith and we warmly invite all to attend.

A number of information stalls will be available in varying communities and the campaign will be supported by a number of key local partners who are committed to supporting the suicide prevention agenda.