Rising Suicide Rates in Menopausal Women: Seek Help, You're Not Alone

The shocking fact is that the highest rate of suicide in women is in the age range of 50-54 - at 7.8 per 100,000.
And suicide rates for women aged 45-54 have risen 6% in 20 years according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS 2022).
If you are struggling, don't wait!
Remember, you are not alone.

Talk to someone who understands.

Act Immediately!

ACT NOW

Should you be having serious thoughts of harming yourself, or someone else, or should you know someone that is having those thoughts, you must act immediately. Act immediately.

Samaritans

Call 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support.

Or click here to read how to get support in an emergency

NHS

Call 111 in a non emergency situation or 999 if someone is in danger.

Or click here to read NHS information on where to get urgent help for mental health.

rethink.org

rethink.org is a registered charity supporting people with mental health issues.

Or click here to read how to get for someone in crisis

5 steps to help...

The National Institute of Mental Health (USA) have 5 steps you can take to help someone who is having thoughts of suicide:

ASK

“Are you thinking about suicide?”
Studies show that asking people does not increase suicidal behaviour

or thoughts.

BE THERE

Listen without judgment.

Research shows acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.

HELP KEEP
THEM SAFE

Asking someone if they have a plan and limiting access to harmful methods can keep them safer during suicidal thoughts.

HELP THEM CONNECT

Connecting a person with Samaritans or community resources provides a safety net. You can also help them contact a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

FOLLOW
UP

Keeping in touch after a crisis or discharge can help. Research shows ongoing support is key in preventing suicide.

In plain sight...

You don’t have to look very far to see heartbreaking stories of women who have taken their own lives during perimenopause or menopause.

Tess White MSP lost her sister to suicide in 2017. She found that one of the hardest things was not understanding what was happening to her sisters mind or body with the onset of menopause and knowing that she did not get the medical help that she required.