Preventing Tragedy

Caroline Flack has committed suicide at the age of forty. This sad tragedy has shocked Britain. Caroline has had a successful career in the TV industry and most recently is well known as the presenter of the popular TV show Love Island. Caroline could have been helped as there were warning signs that indicated that she was struggling with her personal life.

It’s a sad day in the United Kingdom when one of our neighbours or friends struggles with their mental health and decides to take their own life. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 million people each year commits suicide. I have been personally effected by suicide in my family and it is a tragic and sad experience to go through. It does make you question all your actions and decisions leading up to their deaths to see if you could have done anything different to help them.

My uncle sadly committed suicide about three years ago. He was placed in a psychiatric hospital for his own safety after the first failed attempt and then he successfully did it upon his release. It is common practice today for those that have lost loved ones to suicide to criticize the National Health Service for not doing enough to save the lives of our loved ones. But the sad reality is that the NHS simply does not have enough resources to adequately care for those suffering with mental health.

Many people throughout life will suffer with their mental health at some period in their lives. It is only a small fraction of the sufferers that do commit suicide. But anyone who has lost a loved one through suicide will tell you that it is one of the most painful experiences they will go through in their life.

What we need to do as a society is to collectively understand the warning signs of people struggling and are at risk of suicide. Because if we can help them through this harrowing time in their life then the feeling of suicide will pass if they get the right support.

Warning signs to look out for: speaking about suicide or their death. Even if they say it in a casual and joking manner. Always take this seriously as it could mean they are contemplating suicide. If we can provide them with the right support early on, then we should be able to stop any damage happening from a failed suicide attempt. A common consequence of a failed suicide attempt is a person needing a liver transplant after an overdose of medication. If we can help someone early enough then these consequences would be less likely to happen. Self-harming is another warning sign to look out for. If you see a loved one starting to have signs of self-harm try to reach out to them and give them support. Possibly make a referral to the mental health team in Prince Philip Hospital to give them the support that they need. Self-destructive behaviour is something we need to look out for in people around us. This could be through increased drug or alcohol use that leads to them taking unnecessary risks as if they have a death wish. If this is the case, try an early intervention and give them all the support that you can offer. There is also something else we can do as a society to help prevent suicide and that is call out bullying when you see it. If you see someone getting bullied support them through it and never turn a blind eye towards bullying behaviour.

We want our children, family and friends to live long and healthy lives. By looking out for these warning signs we hopefully as a society can provide support for those who are considering suicide.