 Suicide is an important public health problem and is a leading cause of death amongst teenagers and young adults. CALL FOR HELP PIPS: Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm Lurgan – Phone 02838 324680 or e-mail info@mzhouse.com
www.pipsproject.com Warning signs that someone is thinking of taking their own life A suicide attempt or act of self-harm Expressing suicidal thoughts A preoccupation with death Depression Becoming isolated Alcohol or drug abuse Sudden changes in mood or behaviour Making final arrangements such as giving away items like CDs, DVDs or books
Associated risk factors Access to a method of suicide such as medication or firearms Loss of someone close Relationship break-up Impulsive, reckless and risk-taking behaviour Alcohol or drug abuse
These can be associated with everyday behaviour and should be looked at in the context of the wider situation of the person you are concerned about How to respond Show you care: Offer support and let them know you care. Say something like: 'I'm worried about you and I want to help' or 'Whatever's bothering you we will get through this together' Ask the question: Don't be afraid to discuss suicide. Ask 'Do you feel like harming yourself?' or 'Do you feel like ending your life?' Listen: Allow the person to tell you how bad things are for them. Being listened to by someone who cares can help relieve the pain they are experiencing Call for help: Encourage them to look for help. Say: 'You're not alone and there are people who can help you out of this situation' Where to turn for help Contact your local doctor or GP out-of-hours
Go to, or contact, the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital Visit the Department of Health's Minding Your Head website at www.mindingyourhead.info/ Contact Youth runs a 24-hour helpline 0808 808 8000 for young people, especially young men, aged 15-25 Visit http://www.pipsproject.com/ or http://www.rays.org.uk/ Contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090
The Samaritans offer 24-hour confidential emotional support to anyone in emotional distress. The service is offered by 17,000 trained volunteers and is entirely dependent on voluntary support. Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 909090 for the price of a local call. You can text Samaritans on 07725 909090 . You can also write to Samaritans at Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA, send an email to jo@samaritans.org or if you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 0845 90 91 92 .
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