10/10/2019
🌍It's World Mental Health Day and the theme is su***de prevention. Please post a message of hope in the comments for those who may be struggling. For those who may be supporting loved ones through difficult moments. For those who don’t know much about mental health and would like to learn more.
💚We know one of the protective factors to prevent su***de is feeling hopeful or optimistic towards the future, even in difficult times.
🤝We want to send the message that everyone belongs here. Everyone has mental health, and mental health is everyone’s business. We belong in this together.
💚Thank you for your support!
🔶Suicide prevention advice for friends and family: WAIT
🔹W - watch out for signs of distress and uncharacteristic behaviour
e.g. social withdrawal, excessive quietness, irritability, uncharacteristic outburst, talking about death or su***de
🔹A - ask are you having suicidal thoughts?”
Asking about su***de does not encourage it, nor does it lead a person to start thinking about it; in fact it may help prevent it, and can start a potentially life-saving conversation
🔹I - it will pass – assure your loved one that, with help, their suicidal feelings will pass with time
🔹T - talk to others – encourage your loved one to seek help from a GP or health professional
☎️Need support?
You can call Samaritans for free, at any time (24/7) on 116 123. They are there to listen to you. You can also email jo@samaritans.org
Need immediate help?
If you yourself are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.
💚Sending all our care and support, the MHF team.