World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
Having the confidence to ask, ‘’Are you okay………….. really?’
This article discusses suicide please if you are struggling with feelings of suicide or are impacted by the loss of someone to suicide then speak to someone about how you are feeling. You matter too. Remember, the Samaritans are there 24/7 365. There are also some numbers and resources at the end of this piece. Apologies for any errors or omissions.
In a world where despite all the advances in technology do you sometimes find it a struggle to find the time to do what we need to, in fact, how often does technology in the form of smart phones, actually add more to do to an already groaning to do list?
Despite all the chatter on social media, have we found that the pace of life often leaves little room for deep, meaningful connections in real time as opposed to text or email?, How often do we start a message with hope you are well, or are you doing okay, but it may be days before the person sees that message and does it really create space for connecting in the now. Does it read the person’s non verbals to recognise they may not be okay and give us the chance to ask, “Are you okay…… really?”
The ongoing theme for World Suicide Prevention Day emphasizes changing the narrative around suicide and starting those meaningful conversations. Yet, many of us struggle with how to begin or handle discussions about such a sensitive topic. Attending workshops like SAFEtalk and ASIST can provide invaluable skills and confidence to address suicide directly and compassionately. This link may be of interest https://learning.publichealthscotland.scot/course/view.php?id=620 .
It is so important that we recognise the importance of early intervention, creating safe spaces for someone to talk about suicide and knowing how we can be of help, sometimes its as simple as listening. Taking time to connect to each other on a regular basis offers more chance for meaningful conversations which can then help to create a supportive environment where we all can feel heard and understood. It’s not always about finding solutions; sometimes, it’s about providing a listening ear and validating someone’s feelings, letting them know someone sees them and recognises their struggles. When we reach out, even to one person, we can help them take a step closer to the broader support they may need, it also helps to reduce the feelings of isolation. It is often not that someone doesn’t have someone to talk to, just in that moment they may be do not know themselves how to start the conversation, that is why it’s important we feel comfortable to create that space. The act of talking about what is happening can in itself help someone to see there are other options, which when feeling overwhelmed by despair we can miss. These connections can also help develop our own social networks in real time and not just online as there may be times we need to talk too. It is important when we are there for others we also practice selfcare as we matter too.
There are tips provided on www.copescotland.com around connecting, the Art of communication, kinder conversations and the importance of being there for each other. They are not a substitute for professional training but are aimed at offering some ideas which can help change those everyday connections into something that has more meaning. Developing the courage and authenticity to ask someone how they are doing—truly, deeply—can make a significant difference. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe to share their burdens and know they are not alone. In this interconnected journey of life, each of us holds the potential to be a beacon of hope and understanding for one another. https://www.copescotland.com/resources/change-the-narrative-start-the-conversation
Please look after yourself and practice some selfcare every day. For ideas on selfcare please visit www.copescotland.com. This month’s newsletter from COPE Scotland is all about connections, please visit the website to register if you would like to receive a copy. Remember, you do matter.
Some useful numbers, apologies for any errors or omissions.
Alcoholics anonymous 0800 9177 650
Anxiety UK 03444 775 774
Autism helpline www.autsim.org.uk
Blue cross. Support on the death of a pet 0800 096 6606
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
Brothers in arms App
www.brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk
Carers Scotland 0808 808 7777
Childline 0800 1111
Citizen’s advice Scotland 0800 028 1456
Dementia Helpline 0800 888 6678
Endometriosis UK helpline 0808 808 2227 Get support | Endometriosis UK
(endometriosis-uk.org)
Families affected by imprisonment
0800 254 0088 or text FAMOUT to 60777
Gambling with Lives. Families affected by gambling related suicide [email protected]
Gambling helpline 0808 8020 133
Gamblers anonymous 0330 094 0322
McMillan support line 0808 808 0000
Mobile App to manage Gambling addiction www.recovermeapp.co.uk
NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood)0808 801 0331
Narcotics anonymous 0300 999 1212
National domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247
Lone Parent Helpline 0808 801 0323
Pain association Scotland 0800 783 6059
Parenting across Scotland 08000 28 22 33
Perennial – helping people in horticulture 0800 093 8543
Samaritans 116 123
Silver line 0800 4 70 80 90
For services local to you check out www.aliss.org and https://abcd.scot/
For selfcare resources to support wellbeing www.copescotland.com