Are You Okay?

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

This is a problem that affects people of every age, gender and race and the issues leading to suicide have no regard for the football team you support. Whilst sometimes there is an obvious cause (work, family issues, a bereavement), this isn’t always the case.

However, this is something we can help to prevent by keeping connected with others. Sometimes a simple conversation about football can be the difference in somebody choosing to continue their life or not.

It is time for us to listen to, talk to and support our friends, family and those in our community.

The Ladies Who Leeds page will always feature details of charities and organisations who can provide help, support and emergency assistance.

Please remember that it is okay not to be okay and if you need support, please contact one of the support lines listed here or talk to somebody who can help you. There is always another option.

Advice:

The Mental Health Foundation have created the following WAIT advice:

Watch out for signs of distress and uncharacteristic behaviour

e.g. social withdrawal, excessive quietness, irritability, uncharacteristic outburst, talking about death or suicide

Ask “are you having suicidal thoughts?”

Asking about suicide does not encourage it, nor does it lead a person to start thinking about it; in fact it may help prevent it, and can start a potentially life-saving conversation

It will pass – assure your loved one that, with help, their suicidal feelings will pass with time

Talk to others – encourage your loved one to seek help from a GP or health professional

Emergency Contacts

Shout

‘Shout’ crisis text line

Text SHOUT to 85258

Samaritans

www.samaritans.org

116 123 (free to call from within the UK and Ireland), 24 hours a day

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Mind

www.mind.org.uk