World Mental Health Day - debunking the myths

Providing support for all employees and staff

With the construction industry having a high suicide rate, PCE Ltd is committed to supporting and protecting its employees. Health & Safety is of the utmost importance to the business and this includes the mental well-being of all PCE's staff. 

PCE has trained Mental Health First Aiders to help and support their employees, accompanied by an Employee Assistance Programme, a free of charge service providing confidential support from specialist counsellors and access to trained nurses.

 

Suicide prevention theme

It’s World Mental Health Day 2019, and this year the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has chosen “suicide prevention” as the theme for the day. Here are some myths and facts taken from the Samaritans' website surrounding suicide which could help an employee, a colleague, a friend or family member.

Myth: People who talk about suicide aren't serious and won't go through with it.

Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die. It's possible that someone might talk about suicide as a way of getting attention, in the sense of calling out for help. It’s important to always take someone seriously if they talk about feeling suicidal. Helping them get the support they need could save their life.

Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there's nothing you can do.

Fact: Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary, even if someone has been feeling low, anxious or struggling to cope for a long period of time. This is why getting the right kind of support at the right time is so important.

Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide.

Fact: 1 in 5 people have thought about suicide at some time in their life. And not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time they die. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree. Sometimes it’s known about before the person’s death and sometimes not.

Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.

Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is very important. It's why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.

Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it.

Fact: Suicide can be a taboo topic. Often, people who are feeling suicidal don’t want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don’t discuss it. But, by asking someone directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing. Once someone starts talking, they’ve got a better chance of discovering options that aren't suicide. “Evidence shows asking someone if they're suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to, and hopefully less trapped. Their feelings are validated, and they know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life.” Rory O'Connor, Professor of Health Psychology at Glasgow University.

Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.

Fact: Suicide is complex, and it's not just related to the seasons and the climate being hotter or colder, and having more or less light. In general, suicide is more common in the spring, and there's a noticeable peak in risk on New Year's Day.

Myth: People who say they are going to take their own life are just attention seeking and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Fact: People who say they want to end their lives should always be taken seriously. It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help and helping them get support may save their life.

 

People you can speak to for free are:

  • Samaritans 116 123 from any phone
  • SANEline 0300 3047000
  • Rethink 0300 5000 927
  • Mind 0300 123 3393.

 

Construction Industry Helpline have created a free app that you can download to your android or Apple device, which you can use to help track your mood, and log how you are feeling each day. The app offers advice and learning videos on each specific area such as how to manage stress, understanding the symptoms of anxiety, sleep patterns and depression. The app contains all the free phone numbers that you might need should you need some help quickly. 

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