Talking 'Could Save A Life'

Noticing the warning signs of suicide could save lives.

That is the message from NHS Fife as part of suicide prevention week.

There were 50 deaths from suicide in Fife last year - men aged 30 to 59 are at the greatest risk. We are being asked to look out for changes in behaviour and talk to anyone we are worried about.

Fife's Choose Life has launched a 'Read Between the Lines' campaign, which calls on everyone to be alert to the signs of suicide in people close to them. 

Their message highlights that asking someone directly about their feelings can help to save their life.

Jo-Anne Valentine, Choose Life Co-ordinator in Fife said: "You tend to know when someone close to you isn’t quite themselves. So if you notice any changes in their behaviour that worry you – even if the signs come and go, ask them about it.

"You’ll find that talking can help a person get clarity about what it is that’s troubling them, and often gives a sense of perspective. Starting a conversation is half the battle. 

"You don’t need to have an answer to their problems – just be there for them, try to listen carefully without judging, and show that you care."

Dorothy Woolley, Fife Choose Life Development Officer said: "If it feels right, ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought in their head if it wasn't there before, but it can be a big relief for them to be able to say, 'yes, I am' and acknowledge they need help."

Nikki Byrne is a peer support worker at Fife Self Harm Project and has struggled with suicidal thoughts herself:

Scotland’s suicide rate has been decreasing since 2002 with the latest figures showing that that they are at their lowest level since the 1970's. 

But nearly 700 people still die by suicide each year - an average of two people a day. 

Samaritans Scotland has launched a campaign asking anyone worried about a friend, colleague or family member who may be struggling to cope to ask, ‘Are you OK?’.

In research carried out for Samaritans, only a quarter of people (29%) said they would be happy to encourage others to talk about their problems and when asked if they would approach someone who looked upset, three-quarters (75%) said they would not.

James Jopling, Samaritans Executive Director for Scotland, said: "It's not always obvious that someone is struggling to cope. 

"It may be that they just can't find the words, don't want to burden others, or fear they will be judged. If you ask, 'Are you OK?' and show you are there to listen, people are far less likely to feel they have to go it alone with their troubles.

"It's not always about looking for someone to fix a problem - sometimes the biggest help can be having someone to share it with."

Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow said: "If you bottle things up, you can feel trapped in your situation. Knowing you're not alone, not the only one who's felt this way, and that people will listen, is something to hold onto, even in the most difficult of times.

"A person focused on taking their life has often lost sight of alternatives. This period usually only lasts a short while. So for some, it doesn’t take a huge amount to bring them back from that decision."

Anyone with any worries should contact The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.