Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Week we’re saying thank you to people in the Scottish Borders who have stepped forward to play an active role in suicide prevention by training in suicide intervention and awareness skills.

In the last five years we have trained 350 people in the Scottish Borders in suicide intervention skills, and trained hundreds more to recognise the signs that someone might be thinking about suicide and how to signpost them to further help and support. These are people that live and work in the Borders community, they’re our neighbours, friends, colleagues, volunteers, family members and acquaintances.

We’ve seen through the response to COVID-19 that communities have come together and offered support to one another at a time when they’ve needed it most. This week sees the launch of a new suicide awareness course for people involved in the community response to COVID-19, and the start of our campaign to build caring, connected communities. 

When it comes to suicide prevention, everyone has a role to play. Being alert to the signs that someone is thinking about suicide, and asking them if they’re thinking about suicide can save their life. Talking about suicide saves lives, but we know that sometimes people are worried to ask about suicide. You don’t have to be an expert to help someone who is thinking about suicide.

You can help by being suicide ALERT:

Ask if they are thinking about suicide

Listen and show you care

Encourage them to get help

Right now

Tell someone

Fiona Doig, Head of Health Improvement at NHS Borders, said: “The commitment we’ve seen in our communities and workplaces to suicide prevention continues to build. It’s encouraging to see people from across education, health and social care, volunteer groups and other support agencies come forward to learn more about suicide prevention and to be prepared to support someone who is considering suicide. Suicide is preventable and we all have a role to play in helping to prevent it. If you’re worried that someone is thinking about suicide you should ask them, it could save their life.”

“Every day around two people die by suicide in Scotland. Suicide is extremely complex and most of the time there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. Suicidal feelings can impact on anybody at any point in time. Often if someone is thinking about suicide they don’t want to die, they just want the pain to end. If suicide is on your mind or you have a plan to end your life, tell someone you trust. It’s okay not to be okay and talking about how you are feeling can help you to cope and to get help. Support helplines are available for you to reach out to if talking to someone you know feels daunting. 

“When someone dies by suicide it can have a profound impact on the people around them and especially in a close knit community like the Scottish Borders. If you’ve been affected by suicide don’t feel scared to ask for help.”

If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide, contact Samaritans on116 123(24 hours) or Breathing Space on0800 83 85 87 (lines open 24 hours at weekends and 6pm to 2am on weekdays).

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs) national helpline is available to support anyone over 18 who has been bereaved by suicide. Their helpline is open every day 9am-9pm on 0300 111 5065. Further information about supporting your own mental health and wellbeing, including the ‘Six Ways to Be Well’ guide can be found on NHS Borders Wellbeing Point at: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/wellbeingpoint