Whether juggling family and work commitments to provide care a few hours a week, or caring 24 hours each day, if you provide regular help and support to a partner, relative or friend because they cannot manage without your help, then Carers Link is here for you.
In East Dunbartonshire 1 Person in 8 is a Carer.
If you see possible warning signs that someone you know may be thinking about suicide, it is a good idea to ask straight out "Do you ever feel so bad that you think of suicide?" Do not worry that you might be planting the idea in someone's head. If they have been thinking of suicide, they will probably be relieved to talk about it and grateful that you are willing to be so open and understanding.
If someone confides in you, listen carefully to everything they say, and try not to judge them. Sometimes just being there and showing that you care enough to listen can help. You should reassure them that others feel like this as well, and that they are not alone in trying to cope with suicidal thoughts. There are people who can help them.
If they will not talk to you, perhaps they would talk to a friend or a relative, or perhaps they would prefer to write down how they feel.
You should always try to persuade someone to visit their GP if you think they might be suicidal or depressed.
It is important to look after your own health too. Knowing that someone you care about is feeling suicidal can be physically and emotionally draining. If you feel that this is too much to deal with by yourself, talk about it in confidence with someone you trust or one of the Peer Support Co-ordinators at Carers Link or one of the Helplines below.
If there is an immediate risk, do not hesitate in calling 999
If the person has an immediate suicide plan and the means to carry it out, do not leave them alone. Get help immediately by phoning a doctor, 999 or one of the Helplines below.
If the risk is not immediate, but someone has disclosed suicidal thoughts or intent:
If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or other health professionals involved. The main things you can do are:
There are telephone helplines with specially trained volunteers who will listen to you or the person you care for, understand what you are going through, and help you through the immediate crisis.
The Samaritans operate a service that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
08457 90 90 90
Breathing Space provides a helpline with advisors who provide information and advice. The hours are: Weekdays 6pm- 2am and at Weekends (Fri evening –Mon morning) 6pm – 6am
0800 83 85 87
Choose Life is the name given to the National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland. You can read more information from the Choose Life website or specifically learn what to do if concerned about someone.
There are a number of free training courses or talks aimed at suicide prevention. You can find out about forthcoming dates from Carers Link or from the training calendar on the National Choose Life website.
