Choose Life
"Suicide. Don't Hide it. Talk about it". That's the message that Choose Life is sending to people in Scotland to mark Suicide Prevention Week (7-13th Sept).
Every day around two people in Scotland take their own lives. It is the biggest killer of young people, yet it is arguably one of the few remaining taboos in society.
To help tackle this issue, a nationwide campaign consisting of radio and online advertising will launch this week. The message of the campaign is simple: if you are feeling suicidal, call a helpline such as Breathing Space or Samaritans, or talk to someone you trust (such as a friend, family member, doctor or other health professional).
The campaign is a vital part of the work of Choose Life, Scotland's national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide.
Choose Life programme manager, Dougie Paterson explains:
"Many people feel that they can't talk about feeling suicidal, or that by talking about someone else's suicidal feelings this will increase the risk. But the opposite is true. If you are worried that someone you know is feeling suicidal, ask them. It won't make them feel any worse – it could even save their life".
If you are feeling suicidal or suspect that someone you know is considering suicide, there are a number of helplines to contact:
Samaritans:
Tel:08457 90 90 90
Web: www.samaritans.org
Email:jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space:
Tel: 0800 83 85 87
Web: www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
ChildLine:
Tel: 0800 11 11
Web: www.childline.org.uk
Anyone can feel suicidal, but everyone can learn to help. If you would interested in attending a suicide 'first aid' course to help you recognise the signs and signpost people to sources of help visit www.chooselife.net
Audio Features
Listen again to our on air features for this Life Matters article. Click on the 'play' link next to one of the titles to play that item.
PLAY > LM Take Life On 1.mp3
PLAY > LM Take Life On 2.mp3
PLAY > LM Take Life On 3.mp3
PLAY > LM Take Life On 4.mp3
PLAY > LM Take Life On 5.mp3
PLAY > LM Take Life On 6.mp3
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