Suicide Prevention

From 2006 – 2021, there were 156 deaths by suicide[1] on the Isle of Man. For 14 years, our suicide rate has been statistically similar to the UK. There has been some concern that the rate increased in 2019-20, but the most recent information is that this has not continued. The rate in men is three times that in women, with middle age being the highest risk. The methods people use in the Isle of Man are also very similar to the UK.

Only one third are in contact with mental health services and each suicide of someone of working age is estimated to cost the economy £1.7 million.

Suicide is not inevitable, and is never the only option.

Most people have had a crisis, where stress feels overwhelming. And yet, the crisis has passed. Most people who kill themselves do not want to die, but cannot see any other way out. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

The reasons why someone takes their own life are usually complex layers that build up, perhaps over many years, making someone want to escape. The sooner we get through the stigma surrounding mental health and start the conversation, the less likely people are going to get to the stage that they think they have no options left.

There are lots of ways we might become concerned about someone. They may not be looking after themselves, they might be tearful, quiet or no longer interested in things they used to enjoy. Perhaps they are drinking more alcohol, not sleeping or have lost their appetite. They may say they are ‘at their wit’s end’, ‘they can’t go on’, or they ‘feel like a burden’. In these circumstances, asking someone if they are considering suicide will not put the thought in their head. Using the word does not increase their risk, but does avoid confusion.

If you’re worried about someone, speak to them, listen, act. Don’t ignore those alarm bells.

Have you been affected by the death of someone close through suicide?

Read Cruse Bereavement’s Bereaved by Suicide leaflet for help and support.

The Island’s first suicide prevention strategy has been submitted to the Register of Business for the March sitting of Tynwald. The Isle of Man Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023 – 2027 aims to reduce the number of suicides in the Isle of Man by building partnerships across society, providing more support to anyone experiencing a crisis, and improving training for communities, businesses and individuals to help spot when someone is struggling.

Training

To help you feel more equipped to talk about suicide, the Zero Suicide Alliance provide free online training. It’s free, only takes 20 minutes, and is accessible for everybody.

Useful contacts

Samaritans

A 24-hour confidential telephone service for anyone feeling desperate or suicidal or going through any sort of personal crisis, including bereavement.

Free Helpline: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Local Branch: 5 Victoria Place, Douglas

https://www.samaritans.org/branches/isle-of-man/

Crisis Response and Home Treatment Team

The Crisis and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) provides an Island-wide crisis response service for people who are experiencing a significant deterioration in their mental health and/or an increase in their psychological distress, which can require an urgent response.

Cruse Isle of Man

Cruse offers face-to-face, telephone, email and website support to anyone who has been bereaved (children, young people and adults), whenever and however the death has occurred.

Telephone: 668 191 (Weekdays, 9am – midday)

National helpline: 0808 808 1677

Email: info@cruseisleofman.org

www.cruseisleofman.org

Bereaved Survivors of Suicide IOM

Run by people who have lost a loved one, this is a local group to support people surviving the loss of someone by suicide. This can include family, friends or anyone effected.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1124912667670365/

Email: dhiggy@manx.net