10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day, with this year’s focus on ‘starting the conversation’ and reaching out. More than 720,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide each year. Many more will have suicidal thoughts, make plans and/or make attempts to end their lives. Suicide is also the most common cause of death for people aged 35 and under in the UK. This means that, statistically, every one of us knows at least one person affected by suicide or suicidal ideation. 

If you have experienced suicidal thoughts, or are worried about someone else, please, please speak to someone. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to a friend or family member, there are lots of places you can turn to for support.

If you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger, you should call 999, and if you need urgent mental health support you can call 111 and choose Option 2. Samaritans is also available 24/7 on 116 123. 

If you are experiencing distressing thoughts, you can visit your GP to discuss ways that they can help. Alternatively, you can contact the Big Moose charity. Big Moose are a Cardiff-based charity that helps people experiencing mental ill health by funding counselling and other interventions. It’s quick and easy to register your interest and they usually find help for you fairly quickly. More information here: https://bigmoosecharity.co/

Please remember, you are important, you are loved, and you are valued. Every single person adds something wonderful to every group of people they join. Every one of you has changed someone else’s life for the better, in big and small ways, and will continue to do so. The world is a better place with you in it, so please reach out to someone if your mind ever tells you otherwise.