Every day is suicide prevention day – it’s time to check in on the people around you

Before we factor in the effects of Covid-19, more than 100 people per week die of suicide – with male suicide reaching its highest level in two decades. But united, we can be stronger

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day when we’re reminded of what can happen when people who are in crisis feel like they have no option but to end their life. It’s also, crucially, a time when we can all come together and highlight the life-saving services that are available for anyone going through a difficult time.

At the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), we’re there for people who desperately need help every day. In fact, in the days since lockdown started our helpline staff have directly prevented 240 suicides, highlighting why, for us at Calm, every day is suicide prevention day. Every day we stand together with everyone who is struggling with life, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. It’s why, now, today and tomorrow, we’re doing everything we can to make sure we can show more people there is always hope, always a reason for living.

Last week, the latest government stats on suicide were published. They showed that a total of 109 people die by suicide every week in England and Wales, with the rate of male suicide reaching its highest level for two decades, accounting for 75 per cent of all suicides in the UK. That is unacceptable. 

It also reported that the rate among under 25s has generally increased in recent years, particularly in 10 to 24-year-old females where it has increased significantly since 2012 to its highest level. Suicide is the most extreme and visible symptom of the larger mental health emergency we are facing. Stigma, fear and lack of understanding compound the suffering of those affected and that hinders the bold action needed to address this worrying trend.

It’s important to note that the government stats from 2019 don’t take into account the pandemic and the effect Covid-19 and lockdown has had on people’s mental health. We saw an unprecedented demand for our services in that time. Five months have passed since the government announced lockdown in the UK. In this time, the Calm helpline answered 65,054 calls. That’s more than 11,000 hours talking to people and 580,000 chat messages exchanged around topics such as isolation, anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, financial stress and suicidal thoughts.

As the fallout from Covid-19 continues, and we grapple with an unprecedented shock to social and economic systems, it’s crucial that mental health and wellbeing are put at the centre of the UK government’s ongoing recovery plans. Mental health and suicide prevention charities are more determined than ever to reach those groups and people most in need – whatever the reason, from their socio-economic background to their sexual orientation. But we can’t do it alone, and lessons must be learnt from the past if we are to prevent what is a looming mental health crisis.

The financial crash in 2008 caused a distinct increase in the rate of suicide among men in their 40s. Admittedly, mental health and suicide provision is in a much better place than it’s ever been, but we must ensure history isn’t repeated. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve launched our campaign to flatten the curve for everyone struggling with their mental health.

We know there has been widespread social isolation as well as massive uncertainty over work, money and the future that has left so many individuals and families suffering. We know there has been a huge rise in concern around personal mental health as a result of things like unemployment; housing and income stress; domestic abuse and grief and loss.

There has also been a decrease in access to help for those who need it. The Centre for Mental Health forecasts an estimated half a million more people in the UK are likely to experience mental ill health as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic, underlining the urgency to act now and take collective action to make sure we are all supported during these turbulent times.

My message on World Suicide Prevention Day is that we all have to be a part of this. We’re all connected and this is everybody’s issue. We all go through difficult times in life and the feelings and emotions that come with that are something that unites us. We need everyone to join us in our Campaign Against Living Miserably. Check in on the people around you. Push the government to act.  

When we’re united, we’re stronger and we can do incredible things. We’re in this together. And we’ll do this together. Now, today and tomorrow – united against suicide.

Simon Gunning is the CEO of Campaign Against Living Miserably. If you’re struggling, Campaign Against Living Miserably's (CALM) helpline and webchat are open from 5pm until midnight, 365 days a year. Call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or chat to their trained helpline staff online at the calmzone.net. It's free, anonymous and confidential.