The effects of mental health problems are huge, and given the challenging times we are living in with coronavirus, it’s more important than ever that we take steps to support good mental health and each other.
Self-isolation is much talked about as a way of protecting ourselves, and one another, from coronavirus. Even for those of us who like solitude, this can be too much of a good thing. For others, the thought of being cut off from others for a long time is little short of soul-destroying. Our fear is the impact of social isolation on a person’s mental health could be worse than the coronavirus itself – with the loss of income and a down turn in businesses along with the loneliness it could result in increases in depression, addictions and suicide.
A good way to keep in touch with loved ones during the “lock-down” period and to help ease pressure on our NHS and slow the spread of COVID-19, are explored below without putting your own health at risk.
Staying in touch by phone, “The old ways are the best” some people may argue, and you may prefer to keep in touch with your loved ones over the phone during the next few weeks.
Social Media is a fantastic way to stay in touch with family and friends, plus, it’s easy to access, whether you’re using a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet.
In any normal way of life the data say that 5% of the community have thoughts of suicide in any given two week period, if you take our population across the Island of 141,538*people this means that 7,050 people just on the Island have thoughts of suicide in that given time frame of 2 weeks this is at any age – some if not most will not act on them thoughts.
How Do I know If Someone Is Suicidal?
We know that talking about suicide is a nerve-wracking thing to do – for the person who is suicidal and for anyone who may be concerned about them. If you are asking a loved one, family member or friend if they are suicidal, it can be distressing to learn that they feel this way and it can be difficult to take in.
Lots of people we come across worry that asking and talking about suicide will make suicide more likely to happen – THIS is really NOT the case at all. Asking a direct question that requires a yes or no answer will ensure that there is no confusion and that the person will understand you are asking them about suicide and nothing else, no cross wires.
Someone at risk from Suicide?
If you think or believe that someone you know or have seen someone who is at risk from ending their life from suicide you can make contact with our front line team 24 hours a day in the following ways:
SPI Crisis Number (Suicide Intervention Only)
07519008406 24/7 text or call – This number is only to be used if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or we have a live 24 hour web chat on our website www.spiiow.org
Anyone interested in learning or joining the on-call from line team can contact SPIIOW at hello@spiiow.org
