It's not always possible to identify people who are going through emotional distress. However, some of the following signs may indicate someone is in poor emotional health:
lacking energy or appearing particularly tired;
appearing more tearful;
not wanting to talk or be with people;
not wanting to do things they usually enjoy;
a change in routine, such as sleeping or eating more or less than normal;
using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings;
finding it hard to cope with everyday things;
appearing restless and agitated;
not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don't matter;
being un-typically clumsy or accident prone;
becoming withdrawn or losing touch with friends and family.
Why do people take their own lives?
Suicide is a very complex issue and often there isn’t one main reason why someone decides to take their own life.
It can be the result of problems building up to the point where they can see no other way to cope with what they’re experiencing.
The kinds of problems that might put people at risk of suicide includes:
- recent loss or the break up of a close relationship
- an actual and/or expected unhappy change in circumstances
- painful and/or disabling physical illness
- heavy use of, or dependency on, alcohol or other drugs
- history of earlier suicide attempts or self-harming
- history of suicide in the family
- depression
Signs someone may need support
Sometimes people say things which might help you recognise they are struggling to cope:
- making leading statements, such as ‘You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through’ or ‘It’s like the whole world is against me’. People sometimes say these things in the hope you will pick up on them and ask what they mean, so that they can talk about it.
- negative statements about themselves, such as ‘Oh, no one loves me’, or ‘I’m a waste of space’, even if it sounds like they are joking.
“We want to remind people that if a friend says that life isn’t worth living, they should always be taken seriously.”
Catherine Johnstone, Former Samaritans CEO
How to contact the Samaritans in the UK
On the phone: 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Face-to-face: in one of our local branches (a list can be found
here)
By letter: Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA
For further information on support you can receive from NHS Safeguarding:
Please click here.
And here.
NHS England is dedicated in ensuring that the principles and duties of safeguarding adults and children are holistically, consistently and conscientiously applied with the wellbeing of all, at the heart of what they do.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details
click here.
