Suicide Prevention
Anyone Can Save a Life
Suicide is a community-wide health problem
Thoughts of suicide are understandable, complex and personal. Not everyone who’s thinking about suicide wants to die; they may simply want to end their feelings of hopelessness.
Most people with thoughts of suicide indicate, directly or indirectly, that they want help to live. Some people considering suicide may hint at or even tell someone close to them that they are having suicidal thoughts, whether that is a family member, a friend, a neighbour or a colleague. Other people might not tell anyone at all.
Help-seeking is encouraged by open, direct and honest talk about suicide.
The best way to identify people with thoughts of suicide is to ask them directly about their thoughts. There is no evidence to suggest that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will increase their chances of completing suicide.
Suicide can be prevented. Taking a minute to ask someone how they are feeling, it could help save their life.
Being open to listening without judgment helps reduce the stigma that often surrounds suicide and self-harm
Call 999 if the person has immediate suicide plans.
Suicide Prevention in North Lanarkshire
By working together we can make your community a place where we support wellbeing and talk openly about suicide and mental health.
Get involved and find out more about our aim to make North Lanarkshire Scotland’s first ‘Suicide Safer Community’ at northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer or call 0800 073 0918.
Download the SPNLC App
Available to download now on Apple Store and Google Play Store. www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer
Suicide Prevention in South Lanarkshire
Someone you know may be at risk of suicide if they:
• Talk about wanting to die.
• Have been stressed or anxious and don’t seem to be coping.
• Appear careless, moody or withdrawn.
• Have lost interest in their appearance.
• Are using drugs and/or alcohol.
• Have recently experienced a negative life event.
• Have lost interest in friends, hobbies and life.
You can help:
• Let them talk about their feelings.
• Listen carefully to what they have to say.
• Let them know you care.
• Ask if they are thinking about suicide.
• Call 999 if they have immediate suicide plans.
Crisis Support
Available to download now on Apple Store and Google Play Store. www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer