Are you feeling suicidal? Help is here for you

Are you having suicidal thoughts? Know that you are loved and you are not alone in this. With the right support, these feelings can go away and you can come out the other side.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts and need to talk to someone:

If you are in crisis and are concerned for your own, or someone else’s safety, call 999 or go to A&E as soon as possible.

To talk to someone immediately, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. The Samaritans are available 24/7 and are completely anonymous. If you need to talk, they are there to listen.

Suicide triggers are complex and varied, and there is no single reason or explanation of why people die by suicide. It is important to remember that each case, and indeed each individual, is unique. Each person must be treated and cared for on an individual basis. Everyone has their personal story and reasons.

Social, psychological, and cultural factors can all interact to lead a person to suicidal thoughts or behaviour. For many people, an attempt may occur after a very long period of suicidal thoughts over a long period, and having experienced such feelings during this time. On the other hand, and in many cases, it may be more impulsive.

Suicide and suicide attempts can have lasting effects on individuals and their social networks and communities. The causes of suicide are many, and it is important to understand the psychological processes that underlie suicidal thoughts and the factors that can lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair.

Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries, and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Professional help is readily available and we are happy to help victims, sufferers, families, and communities.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year close to 800,000 people take their own life, and there are many more people who attempt suicide. In the UK in 2018, there were 6,507 deaths by suicide (a rate of 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people).

Everyone can help by keeping an eye on the well-being of our friends, workmates, family, neighbours, siblings, and the people in our community. A simple 'how are you' is sometimes enough to enable someone to open up about how they are feeling. Listening, being open, and understanding can help those at risk by letting them know someone is there for them, that someone cares, and then you can lead them in the right direction for help, such as a GP or other health professional.

How hypnotherapy can help

Clinical hypnotherapy is an extremely powerful, effective and successful therapy in the treatment and care of those suffering from suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies.

Suicide is a serious public health problem. It is also a global problem. However, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. Clinical hypnotherapists work with the client to enable them to overcome any suicidal thoughts, self-harm and suicide attempts, and to enable the client to go on to live a happy and successful life.

While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol-related disorders) is well documented and well established in high-income countries, it is crucial to note that many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis. Such crisis' often include a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, a relationship break-up, or chronic pain and illness.

Moreover, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are also strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons, and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.

Raising community awareness and breaking down the stigma is important for countries and communities to make progress in preventing suicide. The taboo, and often shame, guilt, and embarrassment surrounding mental disorders, depression, and suicide means that many sufferers are not asking for the help that they need.

Talk to someone. Start the conversation. Help is available for you.

Are you worried about someone? Ask them to talk to you. Ask open-ended questions like "How do you feel about...?" and truly listen. Give them a safe space to talk, without judgement. 

Just listening helps. You don't need to have the answers.