Worst Case Scenario...

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. Suicide rates for women aged 45-54 have risen 6% in 20 years according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS 2022).

ACT IMMEDIATELY.

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?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behaviour

or thoughts

BE THERE

Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.

HELP KEEP
THEM SAFE

Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.

HELP THEM CONNECT

Connecting the person with the Samaritans or similar group or other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual

advisor, or mental health

professional.

FOLLOW
UP

Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

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.