In the UK, the number of people taking their own life remain high.
Suicide in England and Wales is three times more common among men than among women and the gap between sexes has increased dramatically over time. It remains the biggest killer of men under 45 and these startling statistics show that we need to provide more support.
We need to reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments, and the public - communicating the message that suicides are preventable.
Each year World Suicide Prevention Day aims to enhance this message. The 2024 theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with an associated call to action of; ‘Start the Conversation’. It was chosen by a public consultation run by International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) from over 50 countries.
The message serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. Through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.
Suicide is defined as ‘death caused by self-directed injurious behaviour with intent to die as a result of the behaviour’. There is no single reason – social, psychological and cultural factors can contribute to a person being at greater risk. This offers us the opportunity to explore and change the narrative around suicide.
Many of our social systems have many suicidal behaviours within them. For example, some see it being brought on through drinking too much or smoking. It is also closely linked to people living in the most deprived areas, who have a higher risk of suicide than those living in more affluent places. But as previously mentioned there are any numbers of factors involved.
It is important to note that there is a ripple effect when someone dies by suicide. The cost is both emotionally and financially expensive. It is said that approximately 135 people are directly affected by a person’s suicide. Suicide prevention should not be the domain of only professionals in whatever sphere – it is to do with all of us.
A mantra that we need to be aware of in broader society, especially in changing the narrative around suicide as well as starting the conversation, is that suicide is everybody’s responsibility. The ability to respond, talk and be alert to anything that may perceived by a person to create suicidal thoughts to actions and death is crucial.
We all must be alert to the fact that suicide may be the possibility of the people who are not only seeking support but those around us, and we can all help. This approach would help change the narrative. It is a term applied in health sciences, and more recently in other fields, to refer to positive health and wellbeing.
I urge you to find out locally what services and support are available in your local and regional area. This will help us move towards a culture more free from suicide in all its guises.
