Today is World Mental Health Day and I think it's time we talk openly about suicide. I spent Monday and Tuesday at Edinburgh Zoo attending Applied Suicide Intervention training which couldn't have been more appropriate as the Mental Health Foundation have declared suicide to be the theme for this WMHD. The suicide intervention training focuses on hope and on skills to intervene when a person is at risk of suiciding. I have learned so much from the training but it has also opened my eyes to how much stigma and taboo there is around suicide.
Did you notice how many times I used the word suicide? I did that because it isn't a taboo subject and it is something we should be talking openly about. 1 in 10 people have suicidal thoughts at some stage in their life, so it should not be taboo and no one should feel stigmatised or discriminated against for feeling this way. Many and most people who have suicidal thoughts and behaviour do not want to die, they just don't know how to keep alive through their current circumstances and ultimately death seems like their only option... But it doesn't have to be! Suicide is a permanent end to a temporary problem.
Life is incredibly hard and sometimes it's even harder than seems possible and how we deal with these challenges thrown at us completely depends on the individual. What we can do is support each other and check in if we see anyone (even a stranger) struggling or displaying signs of distress. Let's please take care of each other.
The dark nights are drawing in and it is becoming scarf and jumper weather. The lack of sunlight and vitamin D can leave us feeling a bit down, so now more than ever it is important to take care of yourself. Take the time to switch off and do something for you. It can be as simple as going for a walk, reading a book, taking a bath, calling up your friends for a game of 5-a-side or heading to the cinema. Make sure you take that time to ensure you are okay and safe. If you are feeling blue please know there are so many different ways of getting support.
If you do one thing for World Mental Health Day please check in on your friends and loved ones - we often miss their signs of distress because we see them regularly. If anyone appears to be acting differently, looking withdrawn, lost, not eating or sleeping, please ask them if they are okay or if they need a hand with anything in their life. It might seem like a small thing to do and it isn't necessary because they know they can always come to you, but it can be very hard if you have already reached that dark place where you feel very alone. All you can do is listen and simply ask; 'What's been happening with you recently, are you ok?'. If someone displays signs of having suicidal thoughts, ask them. It sounds difficult and it is, but they will really appreciate you taking the time to listen and help them.
This is no easy topic to read or write about. The first thing I did after doing 2 days of suicide intervention training was go home and hug my kids and husband and tell them how much I love them. Remember there is lots of support out there if you do need to talk. We, at ECSA, have the Wellbeing Hub with lots of resources and links to other organisations which can be found here: https://ecsa.scot/content/wellbeing-hub
If you do need someone to talk to please don't be shy. You can contact us on contact@ecsa.scot or come into any of our offices. We will be at Granton and Sighthill today to spread some positive vibes around World Mental Health Day so come by and say hi.
Samaritans offer a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service. Call them FREE on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org
C.A.L.M.: National helpline for men to talk about any troubles they are feeling. Call 0800 58 58 58.
Edinburgh Nighthline is a confidential and non-judgemental support and information service, run by students for students. Contact them on 0131 557 4444 or through their instant messaging service https://ednightline.com/
Thank you for taking the time to read about suicide today, I hope to see you soon.
Carla Ford