In Britain, we are fortunate to live free of war with (on the whole) access to food and shelter, a free public healthcare system with services for the most vulnerable and a relatively good education system. However, there is a silent epidemic which is impacting the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds and leaving an indelible impact on their loved ones: suicide.

The stigma of suicide is one that must be tackled head-on. The Samaritans Suicide Statistics Report 2017 released the following data for the UK: 6,188 registered suicides, men aged 40-44 experienced the highest suicide rate, female suicide rates are at their highest in a decade and rates have increased since 2014, and male rates are three times higher than for females.

The causes can be numerous, but the most common are economic climate, housing, social isolation, substance misuse and influence of social media. Moreover, men are discouraged from talking about difficulties and any perceived failures.

Possible solutions?

1. Helplines
Samaritans

116 123

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

www.samaritans.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - for men
0800 58 58 58

5pm to midnight daily

Childline - for children and young people under 19
0800 1111 (the number won't show up on your phone bill)

The Silver Line - for older people
0800 4 70 80 90

Papyrus

0800 068 4141

SMS: 07786 209697

Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, weekends: 2pm-10pm & bank holidays: 2pm-5pm

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

SANE

0300 304 7000

4:30-10:30pm daily

http://www.sane.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInpjo_M_G3AIVirTtCh0aAQ1mEAAYAiAAEgIN1_D_BwE

2. Talk with family or friends

3. Try to take one day at a time

4. Avoid drugs or alcohol

5. Be around others

6. Do something you usually enjoy

7. Improve care for those who attempt suicide