The theme of this year’s Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ according to the International Association for Suicide Prevention. This message is more important than ever in light of the fact that suicide rates in Bristol are significantly higher than the national UK average. Bristol also has one of the highest rates for mental health related issues in England with nearly 9% living with depression. Without early intervention or support, depression can spiral and result in suicide.
However, there are also many other complex reasons why people feel suicidal. Every person is different and life events such as financial pressures, loneliness and feelings of isolation, being the victim of bullying or domestic abuse, and facing prejudice due to sexuality or gender identity can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. Below is a list of local and national links to signpost people to. The sigma around talking about suicide and its potential causes needs to removed in order to prevent others ending their own lives.
This has certainly been the case with Bristol Mind service users:
“Last year I felt like ending my life, but I have turned things around with your help.”
If you or someone you are concerned about it is an emotional or mental health crisis that requires an urgent response then:
- Contact the person’s GP, or the GP out of hours service or phone NHS 111.
- Call the Bristol Mental Health – Crisis Service – Bristol Mental Health on 0300 555 0334. This is run by dedicated clinical staff and is open 24 hours a day, every day.
If you have serious concerns for your own or someone else’s immediate safety then:
- Call 999
- Go to the nearest Accident and Emergency
Other sources of immediate help:
MindLine telephone helpline – out of hours confidential listening service
Freephone: 0808 808 0330
Currently Open Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm – 11pm
Samaritans Bristol – 24 hours local and national helplines
Phone: 116 123 – free to call jo@samaritans.org Samaritans Bristol website
Suicide Prevention Bristol National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Option 1
Suicide Prevention Bristol General Enquires: Option 2
0800 689 5652
If you can’t find the support you are looking for below or are unsure, please contact our Information Service on 0117 980 0370, or at info@bristolmind.org.uk. The line is open between 9:30am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).