Suicide Risk and Awareness

6.507 took their own lives in 2018. The rate has taken an upturn after years of decline. There are many factors to consider but here are some of the salient facts as reported by the Office for National Statistics;

1. 1,843 suicides were between 10-35 years old. 

2. Death by suicide is rising across gender and age ranges. 

3. On average 4 schoolchildren a week take their own lives.

Are you worried about your own or someone else's state of mind? That they/you may be thinking about suicide? Do you/they have a plan to act on it?

First of all, if there is immediate danger of you harming yourself then there are 24 hour manned support helplines that can help keep you safe. These can be found on the 'Support Services' page. 

It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. 

If you are worried about someone else's mental wellbeing, perhaps their behaviour has changed subtly but significantly. Maybe they no longer speak about the future. Or may be starting to give away their possessions. Perhaps even overtly talking about ending their life in a jokey way. If you are concerned about someone then the best thing you can do is ASK how they are doing. It's ok to be concernced and rather than regret not asking, you can make the first move. Asking if someone is considering suicide will NOT cause someone to think of and act on suicide. It opens up a pathway of communication for that person to talk about what they are going through.

Roots can help you with with thoughts of suicide and ways of keeping you safe whilst also addressing the main cause of your distress hat this time through therapy. if you are worried about someone else and would like information or advice on how to broach the topic then get in touch on the email below. It's ok to not be ok!