Mental Health Chats: Sue Mulrenan – Suicide – Using the Right Language to Help?
What would you do if you saw someone trying to jump off a bridge to take their own life? What would you say?
Thank you, Sue Mulrenan, an Ambulance Emergency Care Assistant, for giving us first-hand advice about what to say and do. One piece of advice Sue gave is to realise that every person’s advice is very unique to them as an individual, and not to be frightened about using the word suicide. Engage with them and realise they would have been thinking about taking their own life for some time. Opening up conversations about suicide is important. Life is precious. We need to start talking about suicide, instead of thinking it is a taboo topic.
Watch Jonny Benjamin’s YouTube with Neil Laybourn. Jonny has written a book called Stranger on the Bridge you may also be interested in reading.
Sue gave some very important UK phone numbers to help if you are considering suicide, or if you know someone who is. They are
Samaritans 116 123, Papyrus for Young People 0800 068 4141, and Young minds Parents 0808 802 5544. There will be similar organisations in other countries.
Declan McGann, my next guest is a mental health nurse and has worked in Crisis Teams. He will be talking about how to support someone who has tried to take their life.
Let's open up chats and build awareness for anyone suffering from a mental illness. Please like, comment, share, and ask questions. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthfirstaid #wellbeing #anxiety #depression #stress
