Suicide Prevention Month

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It’s Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is also known as Suicide Awareness Month. The month shines a spotlight on a topic not often talked about in order to create awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide, which is now sadly one of the main causes of death all across the globe.

This year EVONA have been committed to raising money and awareness for mental health alongside our chosen charity YoungMinds, meaning recognising this month is particularly important to us. As we get ready for another fundraising event, #HelloYellow in October, we are using this month to remember why our fundraising is so important and helping those get access to the support and resources they need to tackle any mental health issues.

You can also support this fantastic cause now during suicide awareness month, helping to provide resources and support for those going through difficult times with their mental health. Any donations can be given over on our just giving page by clicking here.

Once you donate JustGiving will send your money directly to Young Minds Trust!

 

It’s Important

Raising awareness about suicide is becoming increasingly important, as said by the IASP “not only is each and every suicide devastating and has a profound impact on those around them,” but over the past 20 years Suicide rates have risen 33%between 1999 and 2019 (CDC).  However, looking to the future there is hope that “by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world”.

Prevention Matters

Suicide prevention comes in many forms and with awareness of the severity of the problem around the globe, more strategies are being implemented by countries, cities, and organisations to support those at risk.

One step of prevention is recognising the warning signs of suicidal feelings:

·      Talking or thinking about death

·      Depression and sadness

·      Losing interest in daily life

·      Increased trouble eating or sleeping

·      Feeling helpless or worthless

·      Self-harm

·      Feelings of anger at things you cannot change

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing any of these emotions do not suffer alone. A huge step to receiving help is thinking about opening up and talking about any thoughts of suicide. Whilst there’s many places you can go for support it is worth thinking about who is in your life you feel may be able to provide support for you? Below are some ideas of people and places of support you could go to:

·       A parent

·       A partner

·       Your GP

·       A teacher or university tutor

·       A youth worker or counsellor

·       Friends or other family members

·      Support services and helplines

Help and Hotlines:

The MOST important things to note is if you have seriously harmed yourself or feel that you may be about to call 999 or go to A&E or ask someone to call or take you there.

Other helplines that you can access in the UK:

Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – call 08005858585pm to midnight everyday or visit the webchat page

Papyrus (for people under 35) – Call 0800 068 41 41 9am to midnightevery day or Text 07860 039967 or Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Childline (for children and young people under 19) – Call 0800 1111 andnote the number will not show up on your phone bill

SOS Silence of Suicide – Call 0300 1020 505 4pm to midnight every day orEmail support@sossilenceofsuicide.org

Shout Crisis Text Line – Text “SHOUT” to 85258

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger (for people under 19) – Text “YM”to 85258