In 2017, 5,821 people in the UK took their own lives (Samaritans). Talk to Us is the Samaritans’ annual awareness raising campaign in local communities. The campaign encourages us to become better listeners by sharing expert tips and facts on suicide on their website (www.samaritans.org).

In my practice over the years, I have encountered people who felt suicidal, these people do not actually want to die – they perhaps just don’t want to actually live the life they have and can see no other way out. Feeling actively suicidal is temporary and getting the right kind of support at that time is vital for recovery.

From my own personal experience, anxiety and depression made me feel like I was a failure and I was ashamed so I tried to hide it wherever possible which only compounded the sadness. Men however are three times as likely to commit suicide as talking about it can be difficult, through encouraging men to talk we have seen a decrease in male suicide and it is at its lowest in over 30 years. If need to talk or are worried about someone else you can call 116 123 free from any phone, if you are calling from an organisation or care home and there are restrictions on some numbers use 08457 90 90 90.

Gail