Ever wondered why we set ourselves up to help people? Here are some terrifying facts about suicide pulled from public information for 2019 – 2020. I will start with the UK

• According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2019, there were 5,691 suicides registered in the UK, with a rate of 11 deaths per 100,000 population.
• In terms of age and gender, the highest suicide rate was observed among males aged 45-49, at 25.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The suicide rate for females in the UK was relatively lower, with the highest rate observed among those aged 50-54, at 7.7 deaths per 100,000 population.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, there were 47,511 suicide deaths reported in the United States, with a rate of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The suicide rate for males was higher, with a rate of 22.8 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the female rate of 6.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The age group with the highest suicide rate in the USA was 45-54 years old, with a rate of 22.8 deaths per 100,000 population.

• According to Statistics Canada, in 2019, there were 4,027 suicide deaths reported in Canada, with a rate of 11.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
• Similar to other countries, males had a higher suicide rate, with a rate of 18.1 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the female rate of 5.0 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The age group with the highest suicide rate in Canada was 40-44 years old, with a rate of 20.5 deaths per 100,000 population.

• In 2019, there were 3,318 deaths by suicide recorded in Australia, with a suicide rate of 12.9 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The suicide rate for males was higher, with a rate of 19.1 deaths per 100,000 population, while the female rate was 6.4 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The age group with the highest suicide rate in Australia was 45-49 years old, with a rate of 26.6 deaths per 100,000 population.

• In the year ending June 2020, there were 654 deaths by suicide recorded in New Zealand, with a suicide rate of 13.5 deaths per 100,000 population.
• Similar to other countries, males had a higher suicide rate, with a rate of 19.8 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the female rate of 7.1 deaths per 100,000 population.
• The age group with the highest suicide rate in New Zealand was 20-24 years old, with a rate of 29.1 deaths per 100,000 population.

These facts are eye-opening but are the sole reason why MHmatters exists, Our aim is to cut these numbers by giving people a platform to: vent, share and open up without ridicule.

Introduction: Suicide is a deeply concerning issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. It’s crucial to create open conversations and raise awareness about suicide prevention. By fostering a supportive environment and providing valuable resources, we can play a significant role in promoting safety and offering help to those in need. In this blog post, we will discuss suicide, its impact, and practical steps to stay safe and support others.

Understanding Suicide: Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by various factors such as mental health conditions, social isolation, trauma, or significant life changes. It is important to recognize that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of distress, and individuals experiencing them need understanding, compassion, and support.

Promoting Safety:

1. Reach out to someone: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to support you.
2. Establish a support network: Surround yourself with a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups. These individuals can provide emotional support, lend a listening ear, and offer guidance during challenging times.
3. Seek professional help: Mental health professionals are trained to provide support and assistance to individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or helpline to access professional guidance tailored to your specific needs.
4. Remove access to means: If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, take steps to remove access to lethal means, such as firearms, medications, or harmful objects. It can significantly reduce the risk of impulsive harm.
5. Develop a safety plan: Collaborate with a mental health professional to create a personalized safety plan. This plan may include coping strategies, emergency contacts, and activities that promote self-care and well-being.

Supporting Others:

1. Show empathy and understanding: If someone confides in you about their struggles, listen without judgment and offer genuine empathy. Let them know you care, and they can count on your support.
2. Take all threats seriously: If someone expresses thoughts of suicide, take their words seriously and don’t dismiss them as attention-seeking behavior. Encourage them to seek professional help or assist them in reaching out to a helpline.
3. Stay connected: Regularly check in with loved ones, especially if they have previously expressed distress or shown signs of struggling. Even a simple message or phone call can make a significant difference in their well-being.
4. Educate yourself: Learn about the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide. Educating yourself helps you recognize potential signs of distress in others and take appropriate action.
5. Promote mental health awareness: Encourage open conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote understanding within your community. The more we talk about mental health, the more we can break down barriers and offer support to those in need.

Conclusion: Suicide prevention requires collective effort and a compassionate approach. By understanding the complexities surrounding suicide, promoting safety measures, and actively supporting others, we can contribute to a world where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to seek help. Remember, there is always hope, and together we can make a difference in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being.