Suicide facts and figures

Transcription

1 Suicide facts and figures A self help guide North East

2 Facts and Figures Suicidal behaviour is a major health problem worldwide. Each year more than 1 million people die by suicide and between 100 and 200 million people engage in suicide attempts. The risk of suicide-related behaviour is thought to be determined by a complex interplay of biological, psychological and social issues. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England Annual Report on Progress 2008 showed a fall in the overall rate of suicide in England amongst the general population, taking it to its lowest rate on record. However, Office of National Statistics figures for 2008 show an overall increase in the rate it is estimated that in England and Wales, at least 140,000 people go to hospital each year having attempted suicide. The North East has traditionally had a suicide rate that is higher than that of England. Common misconceptions about suicide Myth: People who talk about suicide won t really do it. Fact: Almost everyone who dies by suicide or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicidal threats. Statements like you ll be sorry when I m dead, I can t see any way out, - no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate suicidal feelings. Myth: Anyone who tries to kill themselves must be crazy. Fact: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief- stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness. Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea. Fact: You don t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true bringing the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do. 2

3 Myth: If a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them. Fact: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever. Myth: People who die by suicide, are people who were unwilling to seek help. Fact: Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six months before their deaths. Myth: People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention and shouldn t be taken seriously. Fact: People may talk about their feelings because they want support in dealing with them. The response of those close to a person who has attempted suicide can be important to their recovery and giving them the attention they needed to save their life. Suicide and men Three-quarters of suicides in the UK are by men Men aged are highest risk of suicide, followed by men aged Suicide is the second most common cause of death in men aged 15-44, after accidental death. Suicide and young people Suicide is the second most common cause of death in people aged 15-24, behind accidental death It is estimated that 7-14% of adolescents will self-harm at some point in their life. 3

4 Suicide in teens Teenage suicide is a serious and growing problem. The teenage years can be emotionally turbulent and stressful. Teenagers face pressures to succeed and fit in. They may struggle with self-esteem issues, self-doubt, and feelings of alienation. For some, this leads to suicide. Depression is also a major risk factor for teen suicide. Other risk factors for teenage suicide include: Childhood abuse Recent traumatic event Lack of a support network Hostile school or social environment Exposure to other teen suicides. Suicide and the elderly In England in 2008, 321 people aged 75+ took their own lives. This represents 7.5% of all deaths from suicide. Suicide and women More women say they have considered suicide, but far more men than women die by suicide every year. Suicide and mental illness Research has shown that almost all people who end their life by suicide have a mental illness, most commonly depression About 10-15% of people with bipolar disorder will die by suicide About 4% of people with schizophrenia will die by suicide, often soon after their illness starts. General demographic factors Male Age <50 Low socioeconomic status Unmarried, separated, divorced, widowed Living alone / homeless Unemployed or retired Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Black Minority Ethnic. 4

5 Background history Self-harm (especially with high suicide intent) Childhood adversity (e.g. sexual abuse, bereavement) Family history of suicide, alcoholism and/or Family history of mental illness Previous suicide attempts Substance use issues Recent discharge from inpatient psychiatric care Recent release from prison. Mental illness diagnosis All types of mood disorders including bi-polar affective disorder, depressive episode, and recurrent depressive disorder. In many instances, depression is masked and patients present only with somatic complaints such as headaches, chest pains, difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lower back pain, skin rashes, frequent urination, diarrhoea, skin and muscle discomfort Schizophrenia especially for young unemployed males, recurrent relapses, fear of deterioration, positive symptoms of suspiciousness and delusions, depressive symptoms. Early stages, early relapse Personality disorder diagnosis Anxiety Disorders Physical Illness especially chronic conditions and/or those associated with pain and functional impairment. Recent discharge from inpatient psychiatric care is associated with an increased risk of suicide as the person may not be able to cope with the realities of a difficult situation. Alcoholism Especially early onset, long history, high level of dependence, depressed mood, poor physical health, poor work performance, family history of alcoholism, recent disruption or loss of major interpersonal relationship. 5

6 Psychological and psychosocial factors Hopelessness Impulsiveness Low self-esteem Life event Relationship instability Lack of social support. Self harm and attempted suicide Whilst self harm is a communication of intense distress, people who self harm are at a high and persistent risk of suicide. Where a person with thoughts of suicide can get help: This guide has been produced by an organisation called Middlesbrough Hearts and Minds. They have worked in close partnership with Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and others in the North of England to develop high quality audio and printed information on a range of mental health and related issues. Main contacts Make and urgent appointment with your general practitioner (GP) If you do not have a GP, then please contact your local Health Authority and one or more of the resources below to get immediate help whilst you are being allocated a doctor NHS Direct 24 Hour Helpline (also through digital TV and online) This service is run by trained nursing staff. Lines open 24 hours, all year round including Bank Holidays 6

7 Accident and Emergency (Hospital) Go to your nearest accident and emergency unit and tell the staff how you are feeling visit (key the word suicide into the search box in the right hand corner of the screen). There are a list of resources you can contact Samaritans 24 hour Helpline Confidential non-judgmental emotional support, for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. They offer their service by telephone, and letter, and face to face in most of their branches Write to: Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA / jo@samaritans.org In emergencies phone 999 Useful contacts HopeLineUK (PAPYRUS) Helpline (free from landlines Monday Friday 10am 5pm and 7pm 10pm, and 2pm 5pm on weekends) A service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about themselves and to anyone who is concerned about a young person Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Helpline (free from landlines open 5pm-midnight every Sat, Sun, Mon and Tues) A campaign and charity set up to reduce the high suicide rate among young men (under 35). They have a helpline, magazine and online community, but CALM listens to anyone who needs help or support / info@thecalmzone.net 7

8 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) Helpline: (9am to 9pm each day) A Charity that wishes to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend The Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5GU CRUSE Bereavement Care Helpline (9.30am to 5pm weekdays) UK s largest bereavement charity. Promotes the well-being of bereaved people. Provides free care, support and information to all bereaved people and for those who are looking after them. See website for details of local branches / helpline@cruse.org.uk British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy tel For details of local practitioners Carers Direct and Helpline (NHS service) Helpline (freephone 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, at weekends) If you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to you. Call back and online enquiry services Carers UK (the voice of carers) Advice Line (Wednesdays and Thursday 10-12am and 2-4pm) Is a charity set up to help the millions of people who care for family or friends. Write to: 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX 8

9 National Debt Line Helpline (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm Sat pm) Free and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) For advice on a range of issues including money, family and daily life (their website has details of local offices and getting advice by telephone) Depression Alliance A national mutual support groups for people suffering from depression (over 60 groups across the Country). The web site contains information and you can request an information pack on depression 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX / information@depressionalliance. org Metanoia (means a change of mind ) Has a specific page that people thinking about suicide are encouraged to read. It directs people to some of the resources available, including the Samaritans If U Care Share Foundation This charity based in the North of England set up by the family of a young man who died from suicide has three aims with regard to suicide: Prevention, Intervention & Support of those bereaved by suicide / share@ifucareshare.co.uk 9

10 Audio version of this guide and others (free to listen to or download) Middlesbrough Hearts and Minds are a group of people working hard to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination. There are currently 23 titles available (with a choice of male or female reader) that have been professionally written and produced. Written versions are available upon request via their website. The full range of other titles is available to listen to/download from: Recommended Reading Jillian (spelled with a J) Powell - Self Harm and suicide. Wayland, 2008 This guide is based on material produced by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust ( Reproduced by permission. NB: The resources in this self help guide are not comprehensive. The information, including contact details were correct as at March

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12 Middlesbrough Hearts & Minds are a mental health service user and carer led organisation, working to promote social inclusion and a positive approach to mental health. We have worked in close partnership with Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, and others, to develop this guide as part of a range of audio files and printed self-help leaflets about a range of mental health and related issues. The titles currently available are: 1 Abuse 2 Alcohol and you 3 Anxiety 4 Bereavement 5 Controlling Anger 6 Depression 7 Depression and Low Mood 8 Domestic Violence 9 Eating Disorders 10 Food for Thought 11 Health Anxiety 12 Hearing Voices 13 Obsessions and Compulsions 14 Panic 15 Post natal depression 16 PTSD (demand on the increase) 17 Self Harm 18 Shyness and social anxiety 19 Sleep Problems 20 Stress 21 Suicide, Facts and Figures 22 Are you distressed or thinking about Suicide? 23 Are you worried about someone who is distressed or thinking about Suicide? The above files are available to listen to/download (choice of female or male voice) at (then click on the information button). If you would like to order further copies of this guide in audio or printed format please contact Middlesbrough Hearts and Minds via their web site or leave a message on (answerphone). Copies of this guide are available in most GP surgeries and in many local Libraries. Reproduced with permission of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust