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Suicide is often a subject that people will shy away from, not acknowledge it or consider it taboo. That’s why we think it is important to be part of National Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, and our focus is to showcase that our seniors are at risk of suicide and suicidal tendencies. The Berkshire Suicide Prevention Strategy is available with this link.
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy was refreshed and published in September 2023. The clear narrative throughout the strategy highlighted the importance of suicide prevention being everyone’s business, the strategy aims to:
- Reduce the suicide rate over the next 5 years – with initial reductions observed within half this time or sooner;
- Improve support for people who have self-harmed;
- Improve support for people bereaved by suicide.
The impact of each suicide extends far beyond the individual and affects societies emotionally, socially, and economically. This has a profound effect on both communities and personal relationships across the globe. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”.
The West Berkshire Suicide Prevention group offer some fabulous resources including First Aid courses where you can learn how to spot the signs of suicide and then trained on how to prevent them. Many of our Reading and Newbury train staff have received similar training as sadly this is often one of many places where troubled minds come to.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. One of the most painful things for those affected by such loss is understanding that suicide is preventable.
The West Berkshire Suicide Prevention Action Group was set up in May 2017 by Garry Poulson. It continues to provide vital information to our Reading and Berkshire residents. You can download a copy of the Berkshire Suicide Prevention Leaflet .
Risk factors for suicide in older adults include the loss of a loved one, loneliness, and physical illness. Suicide in older adults is often associated with the development of depression due to grief or loss of physical health and independence.
Depression is a widespread and persistent issue, impacting not only individuals but also health services and behaviours. Older adults with depression often use health services extensively, engage in unhealthy behaviours, and experience heightened disability. Additionally, depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide.
When considering the impact of suicide, we may not always consider how it affects older individuals. However, in 2018, the suicide rate among males aged 75 years and older experienced the most significant increase compared to other age groups, with a 32% higher rate than in 2017. Similarly, from April to July 2020 in England and Wales, there were decreases in suicide rates in females, except for those aged 75 and older, where an increase was observed.
These are some warning signs of suicide risk in older adults:
– Depression: Older adults have higher rates of depression compared to the general population.
– Other mental health problems, such as severe anxiety, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), or schizophrenia.
– Substance use disorder.
– Social isolation: Being alone for long periods of time.
– Preoccupation with death in conversations.
– Diagnosis of a serious physical illness.
– Recent life changes, such as the death or chronic illness of a spouse or child, retirement, or financial problems.
- – Physical disabilities.
You are not alone. There is always someone who can help.
There are a few resources listed here to support not just West Berkshire and Reading residents, but many more around the UK:
- https://www.westberks.gov.uk/suicide-prevention
- Samaritans Phone: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org.
- Calmzone – Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Just for Men
- Mind charity website – supporting someone who feels suicidal
- Hopeline UK (run by the Papyrus charity)
Please remember, our care professionals allow you and loved ones to stay safe, independent and comfortable in your own home with our visiting or live-in homecare services.
