Around 20% of people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. With World Suicide Prevention Day taking place this month, The Listening Centre looks at who is most at risk – and what can be done to help stop suicides taking place.

Think of some of the biggest killers in the UK, and illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia spring to mind.

However, shocking statistics show that the leading cause of death in men under 45 is suicide – with men three times more likely to die by suicide than women. This resulted in over 5,000 suicides in 2020 – deaths that could have been prevented if the correct measures were taken.

At The Listening Centre we work with companies to help them support employees that are struggling with the pressures of life. We know that when people feel overwhelmed and stressed it not only affects their ability at work, it also impacts their health. Every year on September 10^th, World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness of how we can build a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Findings from organisations including the Samaritans and the Office for National Statistics show that:

• There were 5,224 suicides in 2020, compared to 5,691 in 2019.
• Middle-aged men have some of the highest suicide rates, however, women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, and are 60% more likely to attempt suicide.
• Suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.
• Regarding transgender and non-binary people, 2020 research by Stonewall shows that in the previous year alone, 48% have considered suicide, while 12% made a suicide attempt.
• Suicide rates in the South West of England are double those in London (14.7 deaths per 100,000 compared to 7.3 per 100,000).
• Construction workers are over three times more likely than average to die by suicide.

People who are at risk of suicide often have a low mood, when they can experience depression, anxiety, irritability or feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, just before a suicide attempt, when the person has made a decision about ending their life, they can often appear calm, happy and relaxed. This is because they believe they have found a solution to their problem. This shift in mood also makes friends and family less worried, and less likely to keep an eye on the person they are concerned about.

Behaviour to watch out for includes mentioning or joking about wanting to die, talking about feeling trapped, isolation from friends and family as well as risk-taking behaviour. Once someone has made a decision to take their own life calmer behaviour can emerge such as putting personal affairs in order, saying goodbye to friends and family as well as giving away personal possessions.

There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent a suicide taking place.

1, If somebody is actively attempting suicide: Call emergency services on 999 or 112. Make sure someone stays with them until services arrive.

2, Talk about changes: If you suspect somebody is thinking about suicide have an open and honest conversation with them somewhere quiet and private. You may have seen some changes in them – ask how long they’ve felt this way, and what triggered it.

3, Stay calm and non-judgemental: If they open up to you, give them the space to talk and accept what they’re telling you. It’s important to keep calm, even though what they’re saying may be distressing. A very negative or judgemental reaction may prevent them from opening up further.

4, Take what they say seriously: Avoid responses which reject or downplay how they’re feeling, or try to change how they view their situation. This can make the person feel misunderstood and even more isolated.

5, Be supportive: Let them know that how they feel matters to you and that you accept what they’re feeling. Try to work with them, rather than making decisions for them. For example, you might agree together on who to talk to next, such as their GP.

6, Take threats seriously: Don’t dismiss suicide threats as attention-seeking or that they are being dramatic. Remove any lethal means, particularly ones they might have mentioned using, and make sure somebody stays with them until you can get support from a professional or loved ones.

We know that there are risk factors involved when someone makes the decision to take their own life. This can include mental illness, terminal illness and traumatic events. However, high up on the list of causes are prolonged stressful life situations, such as bullying or very high-pressured jobs. At The Listening Centre we have seen how trauma support and other interventions can minimise workplace troubles, and better equip individuals to deal with stressors.

Our Critical Incident Support, or psychological first-aid service, combines a 24-hour telephone service, face-to-face clinical intervention and innovative learning & development packages. Together these tools provide a safe, structured framework to help individuals process trauma, develop coping skills, and get back on track. Businesses across the Midlands are benefitting from our counselling service, which helps improve their employees’ wellbeing, but also helps them deal with the stressors and factors that increase the risk of suicide.

The Listening Centre supports World Suicide Prevention Day, which raises awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide. We know that every article, every chat with loved ones and every share on social media helps to contribute to a world where fewer people take their own lives. Every little helps – and it is by working together that we can prevent unnecessary deaths.

For more information about how your company can work with The Listening Centre email enquiry@thelisteningcentre.co.uk or call 01543 300068.