This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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International Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
04/09/2006
International Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (ISPAW) begins today with the aim of getting people talking about Scotland's hidden killer - suicide
On average, more than two people every day die from suicide in Scotland. Suicide affects all ages, genders and cultures but almost 75 per cent of all suicides in Scotland are by men.
Well-known football pundits, Sky Sports Charlie Nicholas and Setanta Sports Scott Booth, joined Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald in publicising the Executive's Choose Life campaign which promotes the message that talking about suicide can save lives.
Charlie Nicholas said;
"Suicide is something that will touch many of us in some form at some point in our lives. It really is up to us all to take responsibility.
"It's ironic how people can come to a game and enjoy banter with their friends, but can't talk about anything that may be bothering them at a deeper level. It may be hard to take that first step but talking and getting problems out in the open can make the difference between life and death."
Choose Life, Scotland's national suicide prevention strategy and action plan was launched in 2002 to tackle what was, at that time, a growing problem in Scotland.
Although Scotland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, over the past five years the figures have started to decrease. In 2005, there were 763 suicides and suspected suicides in Scotland, compared to 835 in 2004, which is the lowest reported figure since 1991.
Mr Macdonald said:
"Many of us will have been affected by suicide in some way - most people will know of a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbour who has taken his or her own life or has attempted to do so. Yet people are still hesitant to discuss this issue.
"Talking about suicide, even simply asking someone how they are feeling can be the key to helping to prevent suicide. It can also help people to deal with their problems rather than avoiding them by perhaps misusing alcohol or taking drugs. Traditionally, it is the robust culture of Scottish men not to discuss any problems they have but I hope this week will encourage more men to speak up."
Throughout the week, Choose Life will be promoting suicide prevention training across Scotland. This ranges from SuicideTALK, a 90 minute awareness raising session, to ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a two day interactive workshop which has seen over 7,500 people across Scotland trained to spot the signs of suicide and help those in need.
Samaritans in Scotland will also be launching a new national billboard campaign at their Glasgow branch, to co-incide with the beginning of the week.
Caroline Farquhar, Head of Implementation for Choose Life, said:
"Every suicide in Scotland leaves behind it a trail of devastation and unanswered questions.
"Many people think that talking about suicide will put the idea into someone's head - that is simply not true. Only by talking can we hope to make it easier for people to speak openly and honestly about how they are feeling, and not to be embarrassed or ashamed to do so. It could help to save their life".
This is echoed by Michael, a 29-year-old who has attempted suicide on a number of occasions, but has since turned his life around.
"Looking back, I was the last person that people would suspect was struggling with suicidal feelings.
"It just goes to show that you can't ever judge a book by its cover. Mental health issues can be something that people just don't feel comfortable talking about but with one in four people in Scotland suffering from mental ill health at some point in their lives, it could just as easily be you or someone that you know that has to face these issues.
"If people were more accepting of mental health issues, people would surely find it easier to talk about their problems, before they spiral out of control."
If you are feeling suicidal or are worried about someone you care about, there are a number of helplines to contact:
Childline: 0800 11 11
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (6pm - 2am)