Samaritans

Have you ever tried journalling techniques to support your mental health? 📝✨   This is your sign to give it a go. Happiful have shared 4 ideas to try out:   📃 Bullet journaling, for organisation and mood tracking. 🗑️ Junk journaling, to clear your mind. 👀 Vision books, for visualising goals. 💚 Gratitude journaling, to celebrate all wins, no matter the size.   Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gqHkES

We know the importance of suicide prevention. Just because #WorldSuicidePreventionDay is over, it doesn't mean we should stop talking about it. Be part of the change, encourage open and honest conversations about suicidal feelings, and help us continue the fight to save lives.

📢 Our research found that 74% of people feel comfortable talking to their friends and family about mental health. But there's still a significant gap when it comes to discussing suicidal thoughts, with only 45% of people feeling able to talk about them. Help us change this. We want to encourage open, honest conversations about suicidal feelings and help you share the hardest words to say. Start the conversation today. Ask someone if they're feeling suicidal. It could even save a life.  #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

We know how hard it can be to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling, especially with our friends and family. Our volunteers are here to give you the space to explore your feelings without judgement, and help you find the words. 💚 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Share this post as a reminder this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay 👇 Sometimes the hardest words to say are the most important. By having more open conversations, we give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life. 💚

As tomorrow is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we want to remind you that it's OK to step away from social media if the content you see feels overwhelming. Prioritise your wellbeing, and remember, we're here if you need to talk 💚

Tom just took on the Great North Run for us and absolutely smashed it. Please help us share a huge well done in the comments section. 🙌👏 “This had been a goal of mine for years. I pushed the run in my wheelchair, with my incredible mum, who is a Samaritans volunteer, by my side. Growing up with a disability, I’ve always been drawn to sports that challenge and push me beyond my limits. My own mental health journey began at 16, after the death of a friend. I struggled to process everything and it led me to self-destructive coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and social withdrawal, I felt very angry a lot of the time. Throughout my late teens and early 20s, I battled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Now at 38, while I still face low moods, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts, I've found a way to cope. I take each day as a new day and no longer feel the need to put on a fake smile when I'm having a bad day, I try my best to embrace it, learn from the experience, and remind myself that every day is a new day. It's taken me many years to get this balance right, and it isn’t always perfect, but I’m taking positive steps forward and less time feeling lost or going backward. Men’s mental health awareness is really important. There’s a long societal expectation that men should remain ‘strong’, a message that has come from generations being raised to have a ‘stiff upper lip’. But I’d say to any men experiencing mental health worries, don’t hide from it and don’t ignore it. We’re all human and face ups and downs in life like anyone. Allow yourself to have good days and bad days. Speak out when you need support. Being self-aware in your emotions, and being confident enough to seek that support takes a significant strength and courage.” Thank you so much for all of your incredible work to support us, Tom. We think you’re an absolute star and we couldn’t do what we do without people like you. 💚

"I want people to be unafraid to ask their loved ones, 'Have you had suicidal thoughts?'" Rebekah knows the impact of talking openly about suicide. After months of suicidal thoughts and a suicide attempt, she called Samaritans. As she was struggling to articulate how she was feeling, the volunteer asked her, 'Are you feeling suicidal?'. That allowed her to respond with, 'Yes, I have tried to take my own life this evening'. By asking this direct question, the volunteer gave her the space to talk about her difficult thoughts with zero judgement. "Actually saying all of the painful thoughts, all of the ideation that I had, to another human being, actually calmed me down." She was then able to reach out to her friend using the words the volunteer helped her find. Talking openly about her suicidal thoughts, helped start her recovery and quickly after, she realised she wanted to live again. Join us for #WorldSuicidePreventionDay next week, where we're sharing the importance of talking openly about suicide, and help you find the words to speak about it 💚

If someone you knew was having a hard time, would you reach out?    Vote in our poll to let us know how confident you’d feel 👇    Very confident: I feel confident reaching out and supporting them.  Somewhat confident: I’m comfortable reaching out but could use a bit more guidance.  Not confident: I want to help, but I’m not sure what to say and feel quite unsure.    No matter your answer, it's OK to feel that way. We all have different comfort levels when it comes to these conversations, but the important thing is being willing to try. Help us break down barriers by sharing a conversation starter in the comments. We'll go first: 🗨 How are things? I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself lately.  🗨 I’m about to take the dog out. Would you like to join me for a walk?  🗨 I know you’re going through a tough time right now, and I'm here for you whenever you need to talk.

Three quick reminders: It's OK to take things step by step if you need to. There's huge strength in reaching out and asking for help. We're here all weekend if you need someone to listen.