Suicide prevention – Insights from our webinar ‘a conversation about suicide’

Suicide
HR / Mental Health

Suicide prevention – Insights from our webinar ‘a conversation about suicide’

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There are more than 5,600 suicides in the UK each year, with around three-quarters of these being men. With the amount of people taking their own lives being so prevalent, open conversations about suicide prevention are essential to help change these figures.

A recent Wellness Cloud talk, hosted by wellness specialist Andy Hix and featuring Will, the brother of a man who died by suicide, shed light on the importance of these conversations, the risk factors that lead to suicide, and the role of support systems in saving lives.

Will’s personal story of his brother James’s life and eventual suicide underscored how even those who seem successful can silently struggle with unbearable mental pain.

In this article, we’ll explore the key insights from the webinar and how we can better understand, support, and prevent suicide.

The importance of open conversations

A central theme of the webinar was the power of open conversations about mental health and suicide. Both Andy and Will emphasised how speaking about these topics can break down the stigma that often surrounds them, allowing people to feel safe enough to share their experiences. Will found that by discussing his brother’s suicide openly, others felt more comfortable coming forward with their own stories of mental health struggles or experiences with loved ones who had taken their own lives.

In many cases, the reluctance to talk about mental health stems from fear; fear of judgement, fear of causing discomfort, or fear of being seen as a burden. Yet, as Will discovered, people are often more willing to listen than we might expect. Through his own vulnerability, he was able to connect with colleagues and friends who had also been impacted by suicide, showing how these conversations can open doors to understanding and support. This willingness to talk openly about mental health could be a critical step in preventing future tragedies.

Suicide risk factors and warning signs

Understanding the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide is vital for both prevention and early intervention. During the session, Andy highlighted several key risk factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviours, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and significant life stressors such as relationship breakdowns or financial difficulties. In James’s case, many of these factors were present, though not immediately apparent to those around him.

Andy also touched on warning signs that may signal someone is at risk of suicide. These can include changes in behaviour such as withdrawing from social activities, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or behaving recklessly. For example, James had openly discussed feelings of intense anxiety and even confided in Andy that he was contemplating suicide just days before he took his own life. Although these signs were there, neither Andy nor James’s other friends knew how to intervene effectively at the time. Being aware of these warning signs and knowing how to respond is crucial in preventing future deaths by suicide.

Loneliness and life pressures

One of the key takeaways from James’s story is how loneliness and societal pressures can lead to feelings of despair, even in individuals who seem to have it all. James was outwardly successful – he had a thriving business, a wide social circle, and an active dating life. However, he struggled deeply with feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction, particularly as he neared his 40th birthday.

Will shared how James’s internal pressures to achieve certain life milestones, such as starting a family or settling down, added to his sense of failure. This is a common issue for many men in their late 30s and early 40s, a demographic that is statistically more vulnerable to suicide. Societal expectations around success and achievement can weigh heavily, leading to feelings of inadequacy and, in some cases, to suicidal ideation.

The need for effective support systems

A recurring theme of the webinar was the importance of having a strong support network and access to effective mental health services. James had sought help through various means, including mindfulness practices, therapy, and even exploring Buddhism, but none seemed to provide him with the relief he desperately needed. Will stressed how vital it is for those struggling with their mental health to feel they are not a burden and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Andy also discussed the role of professional support, noting that while some people seek therapy, it must be effective and tailored to the individual’s needs. For James, finding the right kind of support was a challenge, and unfortunately, by the time the right resources were available, it was too late. Will shared the tragic detail that James received a call from mental health services on the morning of the day he took his life, a sobering reminder of how timing and access to care can make all the difference.

Grief and healing after suicide

The impact of suicide doesn’t end with the death itself – it leaves a lasting emotional toll on loved ones, often leading to complex and difficult grief. Will spoke candidly about his own process of grieving for James and how professional grief counselling, particularly specialised support for families affected by suicide, was a lifeline. His mother, in particular, found solace in a group support setting, where she realised she was not alone in her experience.

Suicide grief can be uniquely challenging, as it often brings with it unanswered questions and feelings of guilt. Will shared how he grappled with these “what ifs,” wondering if he could have done more to prevent James’s death. His counsellor helped him recognise that these feelings are common in suicide bereavement and that healing involves accepting that not everything is within our control. Group support and one-on-one counselling can play an essential role in helping people process their grief and move forward.

The need for continued dialogue and support

The webinar made it clear that addressing suicide prevention requires ongoing dialogue, awareness, and the presence of strong support systems. While there is no single solution to preventing suicide, open conversations about mental health, an understanding of the risk factors and warning signs, and accessible professional support can all contribute to saving lives.

James’s story is a powerful reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving and that even those who seem to have it all can be struggling silently. By fostering an environment where people feel safe to talk about their mental health and by being proactive in offering support, we can create a more compassionate society that prioritises mental well-being and reduces the number of lives lost to suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek help. Organisations like Samaritans and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer 24/7 support to those in need.