Objective: to breakdown the stigma of suicide in the NHS
There is encouraging evidence that public education campaigns are starting to be effective in breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide in the general public but sadly not so in the NHS. The stigma of suicide is still a major barrier to people seeking and providing support in the NHS. Tackling stigma saves lives. Suicidal thoughts are far more common than people realise but we just don’t talk about them. Stigma makes it embarrassing or frightening to tell another person, but this is absolutely critical to getting help.
Dr Alys Cole-King, on behalf of Connecting with People says ‘Suicidal thoughts usually start because people feel overwhelmed by their problems or their situation. This can happen to absolutely anyone. People can find it hard to see a way out. It is not that they necessarily want their life to end: it is that they cannot cope with their emotional or physical pain any more. We want to tackle stigma so people can feel free to access the support knowing that the person they approach will listen and not judge’.
Doctors and nurses are at an increased risk of suicide and the Australian Beyond Blue study last year showed that one-in-five medical students and one-in-ten doctors had suicidal thoughts in the past year, compared with one in 45 people in the wider community. Suicide is preventable and the first step is to start a conversation about it.
Suggested actions: Watch Breaking down the stigma of suicide 3m film http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/wspd
Conversations that lead to dissemination of Royal College of Psychiatrists self-help leaflets http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/ucancope
Access or signposting suicide prevention training
Contributions to a suicide prevention strategy
Signposting self-help resources to people in distress http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/ucancope
Incorporation of suicide prevention into mainstream processes and meetings
Watch 22m U Can Cope film http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/ucancope
Signpost anyone in distress to Staying safe if you’re not sure life’s worth living http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/StayingSafe
Join #WeDocs TweetChat hosted by @AlysColeKing on 11th March 20.00-21.00 GMT
You can join via the NHSChangeDay website here http://changeday.nhs.uk/user_action/starttheconversation-nhschangeday-campaign/