Suicide is a rare event. However, in Scotland it is one of the main causes of death among young people. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy - whatever the person's age. One suicide represents lost life, lost talent, a lost mother or father, brother or sister, and a wound that does not easily heal in those who are left behind.
Around two people every day die from suicide in Scotland and, in people under 35, more people die from suicide than in road traffic accidents. People attempt suicide for a wide range of reasons. Some things, like a major life change, a loss or bereavement can trigger suicidal feelings. Long term factors such as abuse or illness can also lead to suicidal feelings.
How you can help
People at risk of suicide may not always say or show that they feel this way, so the best way to identify the possibility of suicide is to ask the person directly. Openly discussing someone's thoughts of suicide and allowing them to talk about how they feel can be a source of relief for them and can be key to preventing the immediate danger of suicide. It is important that if you are faced with a situation like this that you also receive support, and there are numerous organisations that can help with this, such as Breathing Space, Choose Life and the Samaritans.
The CHIP team
The CHIP team offers a whole range of exercise options from classes to walking groups, as well as physical activity and lifestyle advice that everyone can benefit from.
Why not pop onto the CHIP Van to find out a bit more or phone the team on 01563 576398.
Download the Buzz to find out when the CHIP Van will be near you
safeTALK training course/Suicide Prevention Training Calendar for 2018
The CHIP team are also involved with delivering safeTALK which is a training course that prepares anyone over the age of 15 to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to use these opportunities to support that desire for safety.
For more information on the safeTALK training course please contact Faye Forsyth on 01563 576398
Download the Suicide Prevention Training Calendar (PDF 308Kb) to check what courses are available.
Positive mental health
There is a clear link between physical activity and good mental health. Evidence suggests that physical activity makes people feel better through improvements in mood and positive changes in self image. These psychological benefits are a great reason to take part in regular physical activity and they can help with long term motivation too. Exercise also promotes better sleep and, on the whole, people who are regularly active tend to fall asleep faster and sleep longer and more deeply than those who do not exercise regularly.
Anyone can make simple changes that have a huge impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
Why not try out these tips:
Talk about your feelings
Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Talking about your feelings isn't a sign of weakness; it's part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.
Eat well
There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. For example, caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect on us. Food can also have a long-lasting effect on your mental health.
Keep in touch
Friends and family can make you feel included and cared for. They can offer different views from whatever's going on inside your head. They can help keep you active, keep you grounded and help you solve practical problems.
Take a break
A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you.
Stay active
Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy.
Ask for help
We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can't cope, just ask for help.