World Suicide Prevention Day

10th September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. In light of this, Motus colleague, Patricia Szaszova hosts a podcast exploring the topic. 

Transcript

Hello, everyone! Thank you for listening to our latest podcast.

Today, we’re marking World Suicide Prevention Day. Now, I know this might not be your typical tea break chat — but bear with me. This is just a space to share a few things that might help — it is about simply being aware, taking care of yourself and looking out for one another ..and yes, I’ll keep it light but meaningful.

Here’s a quick reality check: Every year, around 6,000 people in the UK take their own life. That’s roughly one life lost every 90 minutes. Behind every number is a friend, a colleague, a sibling, a parent; someone’s someone.

What is the important bit in all of this? Suicide is preventable and talking about it makes a real difference.

So, why awareness? Let’s be honest: life gets busy and people don’t always show when they’re feeling low or they are struggling.

So today, let’s raise awareness and remember; It’s okay not to be okay and no one has to go through it alone.

There are signs we can look out for and being aware of those signs can make a big difference.

If someone’s pulling back for example or they have changes in their mood, unusual tiredness, or even a sudden calmness or denial after a rough period they had to go through.

And no, you don’t need to be an expert to help. Just checking in with them and say to them “How are you really doing today?”. This can go a long way. No need to fix it all – just show you care.

In today’s day and age, it’s important to take a beat and have a think of our mental health. Take a short break or enjoy a nice cup of tea when you feel overwhelmed or need a moment to gather your thoughts before continuing with your day. Stay connected. Have a quick chat, go for a walk with a friend or a colleague. This all adds up.

If you’re ever feeling low or you’ve lost someone and things feel heavy, you’re not alone. Grief after suicide can be complex, so give yourself permission to feel what you feel.

The Employee Assistance Programme is always here, too. It offers free, confidential support, whether it’s work-related or personal. Feel free to drop a message to your local HR manager or reach out to your mental health first aider at your site for more details. No need to explain, just reach out.

So, wherever you are today, whether it’s a great day, a wobbly one, or something in between; be kind to yourself and let’s keep an eye out for one another.