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World Suicide Prevention Day | MPCT

10th September 2020

This World Suicide Prevention Day we are encouraging all students and staff to take a moment to reflect. This years theme for World Suicide Prevention day is ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide.’

Taking a minute encourages everyone to strike up a conversation if they notice a change within their peers and to have healthy and open conversations about their mental health and wellbeing.

Every single one of us has mental health, just as we all have physical health. It is normal to have low moments or periods when you do not feel well, but when this begins to impact your day-to-day life then it is time to reach out for support.

Approximately one in four people in the UK will suffer from a mental health illness within their lifetime and three quarters of all suicides worldwide are men. It is important that we continue to challenge the stigma around mental health and gender.

Spot the signs for those who may be feeling suicidal:

Feelings of hopelessness, rage or uncontrolled anger
The desire to seek revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
Feeling trapped like there’s no way out
Increased alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Anxiety and agitation
An inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
Dramatic mood changes
Remember that these signs are not comprehensive, and people display their emotions in different ways. Never been afraid to check in with a friend, colleague, or family member. Discussing suicide does not make it more likely that someone will have or act upon suicidal thoughts.

When you enrol with us at MPCT, we provide you the tools to enable you to maintain excellent mental health.

How to boost your mental health:

• Tell someone how you are feeling about your mental health
• Take charge of your well-being by sharing your concerns.
• Talking can help put a problem in perspective, making you feel supported and less isolated
• Stay active to boost your well-being
• Regular exercise can help you concentrate, sleep better and boost self-confidence. Your brain and vital organs will benefit – and you’ll feel better mentally as well
• Eat well to feed the brain
• Ensuring you have a balanced, nutritious diet will benefit your mental health as well as improve your mental well-being
• Drink sensibly to reduce mood swings
  Some people drink to help deal with feelings of fear or isolation, but any change in mood is only temporary. Recent advice suggests there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, so choose a healthier way to cope with stress, such as trying a new hobby or activity
• Keep in contact with friends
• Staying in touch with friends – in person, on the phone or online – can help you remain grounded, active and supported
• Ask for help if you are struggling with your mental health
  You don’t need to cope by yourself. Ask family, friends or local support services for help when you begin to feel overwhelmed
• Do something you love to reduce stress
  Taking part in an activity you enjoy can help boost self-esteem and ease stress
• Take time out for your own well-being
  A break from work, whether a holiday or a five-minute window, can be the difference between feeling stressed and coping with stress
• Accept who you are
  We are all different, so rather than trying to be like someone else, be proud of who you are. Focusing on your own strengths and abilities, and learning new skills, can help boost your confidence
• Look outward Caring for someone else will give you a different perspective. Nurturing your friendships, or volunteering to help others, can help you feel valued and build self-esteem

Remember, if you have a concern about someone, take a minute to talk and ask if they are okay. Just having a person to speak to can seriously benefit a person’s mental health and well-being and can give them the confidence they need to seek the professional support needed to thrive once more.

If you are worried about yourself or someone else then please call the Samaritans on 116 123, or in an emergency call 999.