Suicide
Most people contemplating suicide do not want to die; they want to stop the pain and difficulties they are suffering
Main Messages
- Every day around 2 people die by suicide in Scotland.
- Talking about suicide can save lives.
- If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. It could save their life.
- If you are feeling suicidal, don't hide it. Talk to someone you trust or phone a helpline.
- Suicide affects all ages, genders, and cultures.
- Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering
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In Scotland, suicide is one of the main causes of death among young people today. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy - whatever the person's age. One suicide represents lost life, lost talent, lost creativity, a lost mother or father, brother, sister, son or daughter and a wound that does not easily heal in those who are left behind.
Suicide is still a hidden or taboo topic. Denial, secrecy and avoidance remain common.
A major obstacle to effective suicidal prevention is the stigma associated with and surrounding suicide here in Scotland. Taboos prevent us from speaking openly and freely about the problem and discussing what we can do, stigma leads to misunderstandings and intolerance which are a barrier to change. There is a great need to change public attitudes, and increase awareness and understanding about suicide as a major public health problem that is largely preventable.
Serious talk about suicide does not create or increase risk, it reduces it. The best way to identify the possibility of suicide is to ask directly. Open talk and genuine concern about someone's thoughts of suicide are a source of relief for them and are often the key elements in preventing the immediate danger of suicide.
Our campaign 'Don't hide it. Talk about it' aims to reflect this message and signposts people to those who are here to help.
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