IT is impossible to talk about preventing suicide without talking about mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
This year, the Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department of the Western Trust is linking World Suicide Prevention Day today, Tuesday, September 10 and World Mental Health Day on 10 October to encourage people to talk about the ‘elephant in the room’, in other words, the things that we often choose to ignore – our emotions and how we feel.
The respective theme for both campaigns is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. Central to this theme is how we communicate with each other, how we express our emotions and how we access help when we most need it.
In tough times for a whole host of reasons, people find this very difficult, meaning that negative thoughts and feelings get bottled up and hidden away often leading to adverse long-term physical and mental health consequences.
To help start the conversation, The Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department has developed a completely interactive campaign pack containing information, resources and tips to help you, your colleagues and your organisation support this important campaign. Click the button to access the resource pack.
Mostly though, we want you to talk to each other! We invite you to share this information, particularly the signposting and helplines, with family, friends and work colleagues. You never know who it might help.
For further information please contact the Western Trust Health Improvement Department T: (028) 71865127 or email: health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net
