We can help

Suicide sadly is an increasingly common cause of death, affecting young men in Northern Ireland in particular, but it remains an issue that people are reluctant to talk about. This prevents many people from seeking support and help.

Family members and friends often worry about someone they think is feeling very low, but they believe they don’t have the skills to talk about mental health.

There is a common misconception that talking about suicide will encourage someone to do it, and as a result the issue is avoided and opportunities to help can be missed.

Geraldine McDonnell, Health Promotion Officer for Northern Trust said, “It is vital that we are more open in talking about mental health problems and suicide. You do not need specialist skills. It is also important to listen to what that person is saying to us, no matter how distressing it is for them to say it or for us to hear it.”

The Northern Trust in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) has developed a training programme to help carers and volunteers talk about mental health problems.

People from a variety of organisations will be trained to increase their knowledge of mental health support and suicide prevention. They are trained to recognise problems early and encourage the person to seek support quickly, hopefully preventing more serious, long-term problems from developing.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member who you think is at risk of suicide you should encourage them to speak to their doctor – you could offer to help them do this, if needed.

LIFELINE (0808 808 8000)– the 24 hr helpline is available to help family members, carers and friends who are worried about someone and can help with the process of getting appropriate support for them.

NHSCT Bereaved By Suicide Support Project offers individual and group support to families bereaved by suicide. Contact Support Worker, Danielle Gallagher on 028 2563 6600 or email: [email protected] for further information.

Details of appropriate local Community and Voluntary Support Agencies, training and other related NHSCT training courses and events can be found on the NHSCT Website under the Living Well, Mental Health Link on www.northerntrust.hscni.net