Page 91 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual

PAGE
90

Handouts

Suicide
Teaching
Suicide is when someone deliberately ends their own life.

Facts

• There were 6507 suicides in the UK in 2018
• Death by suicide increased by 10.9 % in 2018

What is it?

Suicide and suicide attempts can have lasting effects on individuals and their
social networks and communities. The causes of suicide are many, and it is
important to understand the psychological processes that underlie suicidal
thoughts, and the factors that can lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair.
In recognition of this, the 2019 theme for World Mental Health Day (as set by the World Federation for
Mental Health) is “Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention”.

Risk Factors Administration

Suicide behaviours are complex, there is no single explanation of why people die by suicide. Social,
psychological, and cultural factors can all interact to lead a person to suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
For many people, an attempt may occur after a long period of suicidal thoughts or feelings, while in
other cases, it may be more impulsive.

Several risk factors commonly act together to increase vulnerability to suicidal behaviour. The World
Health Organisation has classified these into the different groups below:

Societal

• difficulties accessing or receiving care
• access to means of suicide
• inappropriate media reporting Lesson Plans
• stigma associated with mental health, substance abuse or suicidal behaviour which prevents people
from seeking help

Community
• poverty
• experiences of trauma or abuse
• experiences of disaster, war, or conflict
• experiences of discrimination

Handouts

s
© Copyright 2021 Abertay International Training Ltd