Can’t Take It Anymore?

Just like everyone, I was shocked by recent events in the Welsh County of Bridgend. 17 young people seeing no other option, than to take their own life.

The police and some of the affected parents are trying to pin some of the blame on the media and internet chat rooms. As much as I despise the red-tops and the way 24 hour news is going generally, trying to push the blame onto them is utter bollocks.

Some of the areas they really should be looking at, particularly in young people are schooling, peer pressure, relationships and puberty. All these often come to the fore all at the same time and it is simply sometimes too much for young people to deal with.

The Samaritans were on the streets of Bridgend last Saturday night reminding people of the service they provide. Schools have also been urged to train teachers in suicide awareness. All this is very commendable, but would money not be better spent on tackling the biggest causes of suicide?

But Wales has only a fraction of the problem Scotland has. Suicide rates in Wales, England and Northern Ireland are 8 per 100,000 population. In Scotland it is 14.7. It is particularly a problem for males, aged 15-44 from lower socio-economic groups.

In 2002, the Scottish Executive launched a ten year strategy to try to tackle the issue called Choose Life. A pretty patronising and ill-thought out title, if you ask me, but nevermind. One of its aims was to cut suicide rates by 20% in Scotland by 2013.

894 people claimed their lives in Scotland in 2002, making us third in the European suicide rates per 100,000 people, just behind Finland and Poland. However, there is some reason for optimism. The latest figures reported today in the Herald show in 2006 the number of suicides had dropped to 755. Perhaps vindication of the “Choose Life” strategy.

Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency. Indeed researchers have warned that the drop in figures may be due to different, less successful suicide methods are being used. The actual suicidal behaviour may not have altered.

The key for me in tackling Scotland’s problem with suicide is suicide survivors. And I am not talking about cry-for-help suicide attempts because the person had too much to drink last night, but feels alright now attempts. I am talking about people who have deep rooted feelings, but have somehow managed to pull through. These are the people we need to listen to. What are their issues? What made them “Choose Life”?

This may help drive down suicide numbers, but tackling the underlying mental health issues, is a whole different ball game.

If you are feeling suicidal, please phone one of these numbers before you do anything else.

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (6pm to 2am)
Childline 0800 11 11
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samartians.org