1. Let’s talk about…
SUICIDE
© BDLD CIC 2018

2. SUICIDE MYTHS
“People who talk about suicide are just attention seeking. Only the ones who don’t talk about it are at risk of killing themselves”.
“Suicides aren’t common, so we won’t have to worry about them here”.
“Asking someone about suicide might put the idea in their head”.
© BDLD CIC 2018

3. SUICIDE FACTS
People are often reluctant to talk about their thoughts – but those that do should be encouraged to express their pain.
There are more than 3 times more deaths by suicide each year than deaths by road accidents.
Asking someone about suicide gives them consent to talk, this can absolutely save lives.
© BDLD CIC 2018

4. HOW COMMON IS SUICIDE IDEATION? (Percentage of the population)
© BDLD CIC 2018

5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS?
Expressing thoughts of hopelessness, helplessness, shame, guilt, anger or rage
A dramatic change in personality, appearance or mood
Withdrawing from friends, family or society
Changed eating or sleeping habits
A serious drop in work performance
Expressing thoughts of no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
Saying goodbye, or putting affairs in order
Use of suicide chat rooms/pro-suicide internet sites
Sudden unexplained ‘recovery’
© BDLD CIC 2018

6. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
The person has made previous attempts
There’s a family history of suicide
The person has access to lethal means
Social isolation
Unemployment lasting more than one month
Homelessness
A debilitating or terminal illness
Has experienced loss, such as the breakup of a relationship or a death
Misusing alcohol and drugs
The person is suffering from bullying/abuse/trauma/neglect.
© BDLD CIC 2018

7. If You Suspect That Someone is Considering Suicide
By all means, let me know. I can approach the person and have a conversation.
Asking someone how they’re feeling really helps. If you’re comfortable doing so, ask the person outright.
Don’t procrastinate! Time is of the essence, as you are unlikely to know how imminent a suicide attempt might be.
© BDLD CIC 2018

8. If You’re Feeling This Way
Please know that there is help available.
You are not weak - thoughts of suicide are common.
Remember – these thoughts do not need to be acted on.
Keep substances (alcohol, drugs) to a minimum.
Come and speak to me. I may be able to offer you practical help, and often “just” talking about how you’re feeling can really help.
I also have details of some really good, confidential support organisations.
© BDLD CIC 2018