Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, also known as International Suicide Awareness Day

Many people have no idea how prevalent suicide is until someone they know tries to kill themselves - and often succeeds.

In the UK in 2019, 6,524 people took their own lives.

Men aged 45-49 and women aged 50-54 have the highest suicide rates in England and Wales. Suicide is the most common cause of death among men aged 20-49 and women aged 20-34.

(The figures quoted above for suicide rates among women may appear at first glance to be contradictory but are not: the suicide rate among women is higher for those in their early fifties than for women aged 20-34, but the latter group are much less likely to die for most other reasons.) 

If someone you know is under a lot of stress, talk to them. Let them know that they are not alone. If they have given any sign that they might be considering self-harm, encourage them to seek help. And don't assume that they would not be the sort of person who would kill themselves - those who do so are often those who would have been least expected to.

And if you are the one who is under stress or finding it all a bit to much, don't suffer alone or in silence. Talk to a friend or family member, If you are in education or employment, your school, college or employer may well provide access to a counselling service. If none of those are available to you, ring the Samaritans on 115 123

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.