Every year on 10 September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
Whilst many of us will be able to manage our mental health ourselves or with support, a stark reality is that there are close to 800,000 suicides a year globally. That’s one person taking their life every 40 seconds. And unfortunately, the number of attempted suicides per year is estimated at 20x that.
Signs you or someone might need support:
- Feeling depressed, withdrawn or anxious
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Acting impulsively or not caring what happens to them
- Giving away possessions or making a will
- Talking about wanting to end it all or talking about suicide
It’s good to talk
People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing. If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously.
You don’t have to be able to solve their problems. But, if you feel you can, offer support and encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling, then signpost them to further support. Just being there to listen and showing you care, can really help someone.
In the UK there’s a number of external organisations they could go to for support:
- Health Hero: If you’re a shoreside colleague at Carnival UK, you and your immediate family have free and confidential access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to Health Hero, your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – (Previously called Validium).
- Samaritans: Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing emotional support for anyone who needs to talk.
- Calm – Listening services, information, and support for men at risk of suicide.
- Papyrus – Provides information and support for anyone under 35 who is struggling with suicidal feelings, or anyone concerned about a young person who might be struggling.
- Shout – Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. By texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 you will start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer.
It’s also important to know when to seek professional support, and when to step back to look after yourself. Here at Carnival UK, we also have the following services to support you:
- Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) and Champions: If you’re struggling, please Speak Up and start a conversation in confidence with one of our shoreside Mental Health First Aiders – colleagues who’ve volunteered their time to take on the role of listening and signposting people to support when they need it.
- Health Hero: our shoreside EAP
- Crew Assistance Programme (CAP) – If you’re on board we’re here to support you and your family through difficult times with our free and confidential Crew Assistance Programme (CAP).