Getting the right support Starting conversations is one thing. But knowing what to do next can seem daunting. So far on #MindYourMates, we ve explored Spotting the Signs of mental health issues, and Supporting Someone Else (either as a friend, colleague or family member). For many people, helping someone who is in crisis to get professional support from an organisation like the NHS can feel daunting. We hear some straightforward tips from the York Mind staff team about what do if you find yourself in this situation.
Is someone at risk of harming themselves? Across the globe, 800,000 people end their own life every year; that s one every 40 seconds. Estimates suggest that for every person who ends their life, another 20 have attempted suicide. It s not always clear whether someone might be considering suicide; however, most suicidal people will give clues or signals of their intention. If you spot any of the following signs, then you could save a life by taking action to help. Talking about killing or harming themselves Preoccupation with death Seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt Hopelessness; talking about a bleak future, nothing to look forward to, unbearable feelings. Personality changes; e.g. becoming more withdrawn, or rebellious; reckless behaviour that suggests a death wish ; changes in sleeping or eating habits; neglecting their appearance Self loathing; saying that people would be better off without them Getting their affairs in order; giving away prized possessions, making a will Saying goodbye as though you are not going to see them again A sudden sense of calm; after a period of severe depression this can indicate that the person has decided to attempt suicide
What can I say to help? It can be very upsetting if you think someone may be considering harming themselves or taking their life. You may be unsure about what to do to help, whether you should take talk of suicide seriously, or if you intervening might make the situation worse. However, taking action is always the best choice. Start a conversation; e.g. I ve been worried about you lately you haven t been your normal self lately Don t be afraid to ask them directly about how they are feeling; for example are you thinking about suicide? or Are you thinking about harming yourself? Don t worry that bringing up the subject of suicide will plant the idea in their heads; often just talking it through can help someone reduce their risk of acting on their thoughts Take them seriously if they say they are suicidal; don t dismiss their views/ feelings Offer reassurance that you are concerned about them; ask how you can help them Don t argue with them or act hurt or shocked being told they shouldn t feel like this or that their suicide would hurt their family for example, won t help.
If you think someone is in immediate danger Don t leave them on their own. Remove anything that they may use to harm themselves Don t try and handle the situation completely on your own. Seek help from a professional as soon as possible Take them to A&E if possible, or call 999 for an ambulance You can also call the York Mental Health Crisis team on 01904 526582
Ongoing support Encourage them to seek help To make an emergency appointment with their GP, or to call the Community Mental Health team and speak to their CPN if they have one Be proactive They may not get in touch with you for help or support so call them, go round, invite them out. Make sure they re taking their medication; encourage them to attend appointments Help them make a safety plan A plan of action they promise to follow if they feel actively suicidal again; this should include a list of triggers, and phone numbers of their GP/Mental Health Nurse, as well as friends or family who will support them Stay in touch You are not personally responsible for preventing someone from taking their own life, but ongoing support and contact can really help a person feel they are valued, and can help them stay on the road to recovery Look after yourself It can be emotionally difficult caring for someone who is suicidal; ensure you have your own support in place, and that you take care of your own wellbeing
Useful contact numbers MIND Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (For information on where to get help, advocacy, medications and different types of mental health problems. Available 9am 6pm Monday to Friday) Samaritans: 116 123 (Available 24 hrs a day 365 days of the year) North Yorkshire mental health helpline: 0333 0000 309 (Available 5pm -8.30pm Monday Thursday; from 4.30pm Friday (24 hrs at the weekends, including Bank Holidays ) York Mental Health Crisis Team: 01904 526582