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A Guide to Suicide Prevention and Awareness

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed annually on September 10th, to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Suicide is a pressing public health issue in Ireland, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Research indicates that certain groups are more vulnerable to suicide; including young people aged 15-24, individuals with mental health issues, those struggling with alcohol or drug problems, people bereaved by suicide, and minority groups. However, everyone has a role in safeguarding themselves and others.

Let’s look at some of the common myths around suicide before we explore ways of helping ourselves and others.

Myth

Fact

People who talk about suicide don't do it

Most people who die by suicide have expressed feelings of hopelessness or a desire to die. It is important to always take someone seriously if they talk about suicide (directly or indirectly).  Helping someone get the support they need could save their life.

Talking about suicide plants the idea in someone else’s head

Asking someone directly about suicide shows that you are concerned about them, and it gives them permission to tell you how they are feeling. People who are feeling suicidal often say that it is a big relief to be able to talk to someone about it.

If you seek help for someone thinking of suicide, they may be angry with you and resent you afterwards

While some people may be angry and resist help at first, for most people it is a relief to be able to share how they are feeling with others. You may feel that you will lose their friendship if you take action. However, not taking action may have more long-term negative consequences. It is also important to know when to involve others and to seek professional support, as well as when to step back to look after yourself. Most people are grateful afterwards for receiving help.


How to help yourself
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is vital to seek help and employ coping strategies:

  1. Reach Out: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Isolation can worsen suicidal thoughts, so staying connected is crucial. If your company has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), you can reach out to them.

  2. Seek Professional Help: Contact a mental health professional such as a therapist, counsellor, or your GP. They can provide the necessary support and treatment.

  3. Create a Safety Plan: Develop a plan to keep yourself safe during times of crisis. This can include removing means of self-harm, identifying safe places, and having a list of emergency contacts.

  4. Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.

  5. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Substance use can impair judgment and increase the risk of suicidal behaviour.

How to help others 
If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, take the following steps:

  1. Let the person know you are concerned about them: “You haven't seemed yourself recently, and I just wanted to check in. I care about you and am worried about how you're doing”.

  2. Directly ask if they are thinking about suicide: “Sometimes when people feel this low, they may think about ending their life. Are you thinking about suicide?” (Further training on this is linked below).

  3. Listen and understand: Offer a non-judgmental, empathetic ear. Validate their feelings and let them know they are not alone. “Tell me more about what’s been happening and how it’s making you feel. I’m here to listen, and I want to understand what you're experiencing”.

  4. Take all threats seriously: “I hear that you’re feeling like there’s no way out. I take this very seriously and want to make sure you’re safe. We need to get some help right away”.

  5. Remove anything that could be dangerous: “Can we go through your place and put away anything that could be dangerous right now? I want to make sure you’re safe”.

  6. Don’t leave the suicidal person alone: “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay here with you until we can get some help and make sure you’re safe”.

  7. Be positive and point out choices: “I know things seem hopeless right now, but there are options we can explore together. Let’s look at what we can do to get you the support you need”.

  8. Don’t promise confidentiality: “I want you to trust me, but I also need to be honest with you. If I believe you’re in danger, I’ll have to get others involved to keep you safe” or “I can’t promise you secrecy, but I can assure you discretion”

  9. Get professional help and ring 999 or 112 if someone needs urgent help: “I’m really worried about you, and I think the best thing we can do is to get immediate help. I’m going to call 999/112 to get someone here who can assist”.

  10. Look after yourself: “I’m going to reach out to a support group or counsellor myself, so I can stay strong and be there for you. It’s important that I take care of myself too”.

Below are some examples of what people with lived experience related to a suicide attempt said when asked: “If you could give one message to another person who is supporting someone who has attempted suicide, what would it be?”

“Be patient. Be hopeful. Be there”.
“Ask them – ‘what is the most helpful thing I can do for you’?”
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself too”.

Training and Resources Available
Ireland has several resources and training programmes dedicated to suicide prevention:

  1. Samaritans Ireland: Provides 24/7 support for anyone in distress or contemplating suicide. They can be reached at 116 123.
  2. Pieta House: Offers free, specialised treatment for those experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide.
  3. YourMentalHealth.ie: A HSE initiative providing information on mental health supports and services available across Ireland.
  4. SafeTALK: A half-day training program that prepares participants to identify and engage with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  5. ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): A two-day interactive workshop that equips participants with the skills to intervene and support someone at risk of suicide.

What Can I Do Next?
Take a moment to reflect on where you are at with your own mental health and how this article may  have impacted you. If you are struggling, concerned for your safety or feel like an honest conversation will help, please reach out to a loved one for support. The National Office for Suicide Prevention also has a list of supports available at Support-services (nosp.ie)

If you feel like you would like to learn more, the following e-learning ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ is a good place to start. This free HSE suicide prevention training programme helps people develop the skills to keep others safe from suicide. It helps participants identify people at risk, confidently ask about the topic of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe. The programme also provide participants with a sense of hope and reassurance that suicide prevention is possible.

Let’s Talk About Suicide Training

On average, the programme will take 60 minutes to complete, but participants can work at their own pace.
Lastly, a recent  quote I came across by Leo Buscaglia serves as a gentle reminder for us to be kind and to look out for one another:

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring: all of which have the potential to turn a life around”.

Stephen Scally
Wellbeing Consultant
ASIST Facilitator – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training


The content of this article is general in nature and must not be relied on in lieu of advice from a qualified professional in respect of your circumstances. Please seek advice from your doctor and/or mental health provider if you’ve concerns.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Irish Life does not make, and excludes, any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any information in these materials and Irish Life expressly disclaims any and all liability for any loss or damage incurred by you, howsoever caused, relating to these materials or any reliance placed on the information within the article.

Refrences:
8 things everyone needs to know about suicide prevention in Ireland. HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2016). Dublin: HSE.  https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/publications/nosp-annual-report-2016.pdf

Connecting for Life goal 3: Focus on Priority Groups - Approaches to reduce suicidal behaviour and improve mental health among priority groups (HSE). Available at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/focus-on-priority-groups/ (Accessed: 12 August 2024).

Reaching out: Awareness training on suicide prevention in Ireland (2010). Dublin: HSE.
Toolkit for people who have been impacted by a suicide attempt. Mental Health Commission of Canada (2018). https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/drupal/2019-03/suicide_attempt_toolkit_eng.pdf

Would you know what to do if someone told you they were thinking of suicide? HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (2020). Dublin: HSE. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health services/nosp/resources/booklets/would%20you%20know.pdf