Saturday 10 October marks World Mental Health Day and the theme is suicide prevention. If there is one thing that you do over the weekend, please reach out to family and friends. Send that message or make a phone call and ask ‘how are you doing?’ and take the time to listen.
Mental Health Foundation are pushing the advice WAIT (Watch out, Ask, It will pass, Talk to others) a simple approach everyone can take when supporting a colleague, family member, friend or a complete stranger. It’s simple and effective especially when we remain suicide alert.
Suicide alert means being aware of the possibilities of suicide feelings and asking “are you having suicidal thoughts?”
To be more suicide alert we encourage everyone to complete Zero Suicide Alliance FREE online training session and gain the skills to save a life. It only takes 20 minutes and a printable certificate is provided.
It’s about being caring and continuing to use the innate kindness we possess. To encourage people to ‘talk’ is very important and to seek help from a GP or health professional.
Encouragement to talk is very important and our ability to listen, to keep listening and finally to signpost to professionals or organisations to help keep the person keep safe.
The Samaritans is an always-open listening service – call FREE on 116 123. Alternatively, support is available by contacting the local NHS trust on 01924 316830, which is open 24 hours a day.
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