Let's talk suicide

ANDREW MCKEOWN, Editor
Suicide will claim the lives of over 500 people this year, twice the amount killed in road accidents, and yet suicide prevention schemes only receive 10% of the funding that road accident prevention schemes receive. Calls to the Samaritan, aware and Headstrong are on the rise. Research has shown that with proper support, suicide can be prevented.
The Facts about suicide:
•Most people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their intent.
•Many suicides occur in a period of improvement when the person has enough energy and the will to turn despairing thoughts into delf destructive action.
•suicide occura in all groups in society.
•Most suicidal people are ambivalent about living and dying: they gamble with death but may retain the desire to live.
•It can happen to anyone.
•Suicidal thoughts may return, but they are not permanent, and in some people they may never return.

To help a suicidal person, show that you really care. Be non-judgmental. Talk openly about suicide. If the risk seems high, stay with the suicidal person until the crisis has passed or until help arrives.

•9,218- the amount of people treated for self harm in hospital in 2008.
•1 in every 156 adolescent girls were treated for deliberate self harm.
•9% of boys between 15-19 tried to hang themselves.
•42% of all cases involved alcohol.

We must act to stem the rising tide of suicides. We are losing great people every week to this menace, all of whom can be saved. If you or someone you know is suicidal, or you believe they may be, you can contact any of the following:
info@aware.ie
Info@headstrong.ie
The Samaritans

Because life is too precious. Cherish it.