A potential life-saving resource has been developed for people looking after someone with suicidal thoughts.

Last year, our Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Suicide Prevention Partnership commissioned Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH) to develop material for people who are supporting someone considering suicide.

GAMH worked with individuals who have lived experience of supporting a loved one at risk of suicide to develop the ‘Being There For Someone At Risk Of Suicide – a guide to taking care of yourself and others’.

The guide is available to all via the following link: www.yoursupportglasgow.org/glasgow-homepage/pages/suicide-prevention/resources/

It includes experiences and voices of the people who GAMH worked with as well as information about where to get support.

A spokesperson from the Glasgow City Suicide Prevention Partnership said: “Many of us don’t think about ourselves as carers, but being an ongoing point of contact for someone who is having thoughts of suicide is a caring role. You could be a neighbour, family member, a friend, or partner. Supporting someone at risk of suicide can be exceptionally difficult. Raising awareness of suicide prevention and giving the public information is a vital part of our work.”

The development and publication of Being There For Someone At Risk Of Suicide is part of an action plan to reduce suicide in Glasgow.

GAMH was commissioned to develop resources and information for individuals who care for someone who has tried to take their own life, or they are worried they might. 

Lesley Ross from GAMH explains: “Although there’s a lot of information already available about how to support someone at risk, the guide and videos are different as they share the voices and experiences of crisis carers and the significant impact that crisis caring can have across many aspects of an individual’s life, as well as the emotional impact.
“People we spoke to felt it was important to say that supporting someone can bring a lot of complicated emotions, and that it’s okay to feel like this. You’re not alone in experiencing these things. 

“We’re grateful to the people involved for sharing their experiences in order to reach out to others in similar situations to make a difference.”

Where to get help

If you are experiencing confusing or distressing thoughts, or if people around you have expressed concern about your wellbeing, arrange an appointment with your GP or phone NHS 24 on 111 and ask for the mental health hub.

If it would help you to talk with someone, freephone:
• Samaritans - 116 123
• Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87

If you, or someone you know, needs urgent help please phone the emergency services on 999.