September 10th: Honoring Suicide Prevention Day with MindOut’s Vital Support

Welcome to my guide on World Suicide Prevention Day. Today, on 10th September, we will focus on raising awareness about mental health challenges and the importance of support. In this guide, we’ll cover essential information on suicide prevention, provide resources for those in need, and highlight the role of organisations like MindOut that are making a difference.

What is Suicide Prevention Day?

The International Association for Suicide Prevention organises World Suicide Prevention Day. Today’s goal is to bring attention to suicide prevention by encouraging people to talk about how they feel. Samaritans found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to their family and friends about their suicidal thoughts; this is compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health. There are so many stigmas around mental health that need to be abolished in our modern day and accepted and discussed to save lives.

A poll by Samaritans revealed that 71% of UK adults are unaware of how many people suffer from suicidal thoughts. Although a quarter of people are willing to talk to their friends or family about their well-being and mental health, not even half of them are comfortable with talking about suicide.

What Can You Do?

Suicidal thoughts can be frightening, confusing and complex. However, they are more common than we realise, with 1 in 5 experiencing these thoughts. Individuals experiencing these thoughts will experience many different emotions, such as feeling overwhelmed, trapped, hopeless, and like a burden. While everyone reacts differently, there are some signs that someone is struggling with their suicidal thoughts. Some of the signs to look for are:

·         Finding day-to-day task difficult

·         No longer enjoying things they used to

·         Distancing themselves or not replying to messages

·         Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless or worthless

If you or someone you know is struggling, there is support available. The Samaritans are free, day or night, on 116 123 to call. You don’t have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself to call them; if you need advice on how to talk to someone you care about their suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans can advise you. Their trained volunteers support people face-to-face, by email, letter or phone.

What Is MindOut?

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Their goal is to improve the well-being and mental health of members of the LGBTQ community and to make mental health a community concern. Their services are not limited to the LGBTQ community. Those outside of the umbrella are welcome to access their services for help. They are based in Brighton and Hove, except for their Online Support service, which is available globally.

On their website, they have a page designated to Suicide Prevention. MindOut has its own Suicide Prevention Project, which has supported those who reach out to them. With 8 in 10 LGBTQ people experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, MindOut is committed to creating prevention strategies and services.

Online Support

Their online support service can:

·         Allow you to talk freely with no judgment and without forcing unwanted advice or opinions

·         If you want, they can help you think of ways to stay safe and develop coping strategies

·         Help you look for support and explore these options if this is what you want

MindOut’s online support is an instant chat service that is anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential. They are open every day, including evenings and weekends.

Online support sessions are available for trans and non-binary people, young LGBTQ people, LGBTQ Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic People, and Advocacy sessions.

Advocates

MindOut has Advocates who will talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings to help those seeking this service. These advocates will:

·         Listen without judgement

·         Treat everything you say in complete confidence

·         Respect you

·         Won’t try to take charge

·         Listen to how you are feeling

·         Won’t force any advice or opinions

Working with one of MindOut’s advocates will help you to:

·         Explore different ways to stay safe and find support

·         Help you prioritise and support you to address any practical problems you may be experiencing

·         Allow you to ask questions, seek information and make complaints.

·         An advocate will represent you if things are feeling overwhelming.

To find out more about advocacy or to speak to one of MindOut’s advocates:

Call: 01273 234 839

Email: info@mindout.org.uk

Peer Support Group Work

MindOut runs several support groups that are responsive, supportive and welcoming to LGBTQ people living with suicidal thoughts. They run two ongoing weekly peer support groups for people with experience living with suicidal thoughts: one is a mixed LGBTQ group, and the other is a men’s (GBTQ) group.

Find out more:

Call: 01273 234 839

Email: infor@mindout.org.uk 

Peer Mentoring

This service is working with an individual who has a shared experience or identity that people may find helpful, especially if the individuals share an identity or experience, especially if this experience is suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, talking to someone who has been through something similar can be helpful if someone is looking to learn new ways to cope and manage their thoughts and are interested in learning how to keep themselves safe. To find more information about this service:

                Call: 01273 234 839

                Email: infor@mindout.org.uk 

Suicide Awareness Training

MindOut offers training packages on Responding to Suicidal Distress, which have been developed with over 18 years of experience delivering support to people living with suicidal thoughts. Their training is tailored to the needs of a company, organisation or team. Their Responding to Suicidal Distress workshops and courses are co-produced and delivered alongside individuals who have lived with suicidal thoughts.

For further information:

                Call: 01273 234 839

                Email: info@mindout.org.uk 

Additional services are available outside of MindOut. Please call NHS Direct 111 or 999 if you need an ambulance. There are crisis hotlines: Samaritans, free to call on mobiles, and landlines at 116 123. LGBTQ-specific helplines: London LGBT Switchboard (10 am to 11 pm) 0300 330 0630, Mindline Trans+ (Mon and Fri 8 pm-Midnight) 0300 330 5468.

Suicide Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and the impact of support networks. By educating ourselves, reaching out to others, and supporting organisations like MindOut, we can contribute to a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more and for your commitment to making a difference. Please donate to MindOut to make a difference in the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community. Donation link: Donate - MindOut LGBTQ Mental Health Service