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Nwicker60
05-Sep-11, 12:12
Best way to save lives is to talk

TODAY sees the beginning of this year’s Scottish Suicide Prevention Week.
Since 2003, Scotland’s Choose Life Strategy has been raising awareness of the risk of suicide in our communities and spreading the message that the best way to save lives from suicide is to talk about it
Last year 781 people lost their lives to suicide in Scotland, 11 in Argyll and Bute. Thankfully this appears to be part of a downward trend but each of those deaths represents a tragedy to the family, friends and colleagues affected.
We sincerely hope that the days when it wasn’t ok to talk about suicide are coming to an end, because we know now that the best way to save the life of someone struggling with thoughts of suicide is to talk about suicide openly and directly.
Thoughts of suicide start when a situation or problem in life comes to feel overwhelming, when it starts to feel that there is no solution and no one to talk to. That problem or feeling might be about job loss, debt, divorce, bereavement, ill health – at some point in most people’s lives there will be a time when facing the day feels unbearable or the solution is just out of grasp. This is the time that we need to reach out to ask for and offer help to talk about suicidal thoughts. Research shows that this really helps to save lives and that thoughts of suicide can’t be planted in someone’s mind.
But it’s not just those considering suicide that need to talk. Argyll and Bute Choose Life co-ordinator, Tracy Preece says:
“My experience of meeting people at Choose Life training sessions and other events is that there is a huge number of people who have lost someone they cared about to suicide and that they want to talk about how that affected them.
“So if you know someone who is struggling with problems you think might lead to thoughts of suicide, or if that person is you – tell someone and tell them soon, it could save a life.
If you can’t think of who you would tell, use a helpline like Breathing Space or one of the resources in the cut out and keep box below. There are services out there that want to support you in solving the problems that have led you to this place.”
Notes to Editors: Find out more about Choose Life at: www.chooselife.net, www.chooselifeinargyllandbute.org.uk (http://www.chooselifeinargyllandbute.org.uk/)
Suicide – the facts

Every day around 2 people die by suicide in Scotland
Talking about suicide can save lives
If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. It could save their life.
If you are feeling suicidal, don’t hide it. Talk to someone you trust or phone a helpline.
Suicide affects all ages, genders and cultures.
Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering.
Cut out and keep guide to resources:
Helplines:

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans 08457 909090
Childline 0800 1111 Womens Aid 0870 241 3548
Action on depression 0845 123 2320
Cruse Bereavement 0870 1671677
Survivors of bereavement
by suicide 0870 214 3337
Advice - all subjects
Citizens Advice Bureau 08456 123808
Advice – benefits and job seeking
Skills Development Scotland 08458 502502
Job centre plus 0845 6060234
Further information