Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention for Public Health Wales endorses film

‘I give my full  support to the U Can Cope campaign. The film is excellent. I am sure, for those that come across the film, it will have a positive impact on reducing stigma and raising awareness of mental health issues and suicidal behaviour enabling people to respond more compassionately to those struggling with these problems. The             personal stories of those depicted in the film and how they managed to cope with their situations and feelings will hopefully inspire others  to seek help early, while the expert statements give the campaign a broader context.

It is great to see such an initiative come out of Wales and I would
encourage everyone to watch it and for them to encourage their family,
friends and colleagues to do the same.’

http://vimeo.com/m/48721158

Dr Ann John

Chair of the National Advisory Group on Suicide and Self-harm Prevention
to the Welsh Government

Lead for Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention for Public Health Wales

Clinical Senior Lecturer in Public Mental Health, Swansea College of
Medicine

Dr Alys Cole-King contributes to the Professional Cricketers’ Association resource

Dr Alys Cole-King contributes to the Professional Cricketers’ Association

Mental Health learning resource. 

Connecting with people is delighted to have contributed to the Professional Cricketers’ Association Mental Health learning resource. Dr Alys Cole-King contributed to the module on self-harm and suicide prevention.  http://www.thepca.co.uk/dr-alys-cole-king.html.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Professional Cricketers’ Association, such a high profile and highly respected sporting organisation – this is the way that we will win ’hearts and minds’ in the fight against suicide. It is one thing when I urge people to seek help early but a fantastically powerful message when said by an elite athlete who commands so much respect from around the world.

The whole point of the Connecting with People training, the learning resource for the Professional Cricketers’ Associationand the U can Cope film is to remove the fear and secrecy around self-harm and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Secrecy is the big enemy here, self –harm and suicidal thoughts are far more common than people realise but we tend not to talk about them – it can be embarrassing or frightening to tell another person about them. Bad things happen to all of us – but it can be hard to talk about them and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

Suicidal thoughts start because people feel overwhelmed by their problems or their situation and find it hard to ‘see a way out’ – it’s not that they necessarily want their life to end it’s just that they cannot cope with their emotional or physical pain any more For each person, the underlying reasons are different.  If you are worried or sad, it may feel like a lonely time, but there are people who want to help you, even if just by listening. It is never too late to take action to help a situation that seems hopeless.

People are never beyond care and understanding and we have hope for you.

I started developing the innovative Connecting with People Suicide and Self Harm Preventiontraining 19 years ago and for the last 5 years in collaboration with Gavin Peake-Jones, (Managing Director, Open Minds Alliance CIC and an expert in organizational learning and development). This suite of short two-hour modules aims to reduce stigma, increase understanding and compassion and help seeking regarding self harm and suicidal thoughts and build up emotional resilience.

The Connecting with People approach has developed a common language and understanding between those experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm and family, friends or professionals who are trying to help themSuicide prevention is like a massive jigsaw puzzle – it looks really complicated until we get close and see it’s just made up of small pieces – all we have to do is look after our piece of the puzzle – knowhow we can stay safe and where to get help if we are worried about someone.

There is hope –please know you are not alone and if you need help and support there are people who care about your situation. If you are worried or sad, it may feel like a lonely time, but there are people who want to help you, even if just by listening. It is never too late to take action to help a situation that seems hopeless. Please check out the helpful resources available to help all those in need:  Http://ConnectingwithPeople.org or call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

IASP’s Suicide and the MediaTask Force endorse UcanCope film

Dr. Thomas Niederkrotenthaler is an Assistant Professor at  the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. His main research areas are the roles of  mass media in suicide prevention  and suicide epidemiology across the lifespan.
He is currently serving as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at CDC’s Injury Center in Atlanta. Thomas is Co-Chair of IASP’s Suicide  and the Media Task Force and Co-Chair of  the Wiener Werkstätte for Suicide Research (www.suizidforschung.at)

Here are Dr Thomas Niederkrontenthaler’s thoughts about our film:

An inspiring film on how to cope when life is difficult

There is probably rarely something more inspiring than a story told
by someone who has experienced what he or she is talking about.
A core strength of this film is that it gives a truly personal
perspective on crises, suicidal thoughts and on how to cope with
most difficult life situations. The personal stories of individuals
who managed to cope with adverse circumstances clearly show that
giving it a try and seek help in adverse circumstances indeed can
change one’s life  for the better.
Expert statements that frame the stories put the topic into a
broader context and add a personal perspective of those who are out
there to provide help.
An encouraging film that is worth watching on World Suicide
Prevention Day
2012 as well as throughout the year.

http://vimeo.com/m/48721158

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy reviews our film

BACP is proud to support the U Can Cope campaign, and this emotive and inspiring film, which we hope will achieve its aim in helping to demystify mental illness and give hope and encouragement to those who are struggling to cope with their problems.
The three participants in the film all mention the vital part that talking to other people about their situation played in their recovery. Counselling is one option available to someone looking for a safe, confidential place to talk about their life and anything that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. Talking with someone who is trained to listen attentively and to help you improve things can have an immensely positive effect on how you feel about yourself and your situation. Even if the problem itself can’t be solved by counselling, counselling is likely to help you find ways to cope.
The film also highlights the importance of early intervention in treating depression and anxiety, showing the excellent work being carried out at the Zeb centre for young people in Cornwall. It is heartening to see the positive effect that this group is having on the young people in the local community. Early intervention is extremely useful in treating mental health problems, and if anxiety and depression are recognised early, and appropriate treatments are readily available, future problems can be avoided. We believe that all children and young people in secondary schools and universities should have access to professional, qualified counselling services within their educational establishment.
More information about counselling and psychotherapy, and our Seeking a Therapist directory, can be found at http://www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk. For more options, ask your school or university if they have a counsellor, or try your GP to see what is available locally.

IASP Vice President endorses: “This is an excellent film”

It was a pleasure to look at the film.

This is an excellent film which meets several important objectives, such as increasing awareness of symptoms of depression and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour, and it will have a positive impact on reducing stigma associated with depression and suicidal behaviour.

I very much appreciate the involvement of a young and older man   because they are an important positive ‘role model’ for men who may    find it particularly hard to express depressive feelings and suicidal thoughts.

There is a good balance between attention to risk and protective factors associated with depression and suicidal behaviour.

I will certainly support the dissemination of the film, and I wish “U can cope” good luck with the launch on World Suicide Prevention Day.

With best wishes,

Ella Arensman

Director of Research

IASP Vice President

National Suicide Research Foundation

National Health Services Research Institute

University College Cork

From midnight tonight – 10th September the complete film will be available to view on this link:

http://vimeo.com/m/48721158

If you are on twitter – please use #ucancope,  #suicideprevention and #calltoaction to help us trend and to raise profile of this very important message of hope.

If you have a facebook account please add this link and help us reach and connect with new audiences – you are an important part of our message. 

NOLAN SISTER VOICES SUICIDE PREVENTION FILM

Linda Nolan voices U Can Cope film

Linda Nolan voices U Can Cope film which gives a message of hope on World Suicide Prevention Day and it has the backing of over 100 organisations.

On Monday a gathering at the Department of Health will watch a compelling new film on dealing with suicidal thoughts.

“U Can Cope,“ released to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, focuses on three people for whom life had become unbearable but who, after seeking help, are now leading happy lives.

The film’s narrator is all too familiar with the effects life-changing events can have on mental well- being. In the 1970’s and 80’s Linda Nolan found fame as a member of the singing quintet the Nolan Sisters, best known for their 1980’s hit “I’m in the Mood for Dancing”. The group enjoyed huge success – in Japan they even outsold the Beatles and were asked to support one of Frank Sinatra’s tours.

But in2006/7 Linda’s world was rocked by a series of events that left her contemplating suicide. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer which led to a mastectomy and the removal of lymph nodes. Then her husband Brian, who’d been diagnosed with skin cancer developed a liver infection while while she was touring with a production of Blood Brothers. She left the show so she could visit him In hospital but he died not long after. Within months she’d lost her mother too . “When Brian died it felt like my world had ended”, says Linda “ He was my soul mate. We’d been together 24/7 for 30 years and I just couldn’t contemplate life without him. I thought I’d take tablets, just fall asleep ,then wake up and it would all have gone away- that it had just been a bad dream, really. I thought people would understand that I had to be with Brian.” At first I did what I suppose put a lot of people do-when someone at the other end said hello I put the phone down. Then the third time of trying I plucked up the courage to speak, and it was amazing. They were non-judgemental and very sympathetic. I do think that at that particular point I was so low that they kind of saved my life , really”. Anthony ,one of the three case studies in the film, describes a similar experience. When he unburdened himself to Samaritans he compared it to pulling the plug out of a bath. “It’s as if the water is all your problems-I’d pulled the plug and off they went”

Linda says she agreed to narrate the film to re-enforce the message that for those with suicidal thoughts there is always help. Recent figures show a sharp rise in the number of suicides ,particularly among men, with many linked to the economic downturn.“We’ve all been touched by the recession ,even showbusiness,” says Linda. “Theatres have closed and plays have come off and it’s frightening. if you just let it build up and bury your head in the sand you risk going on a downward spiral. Just make a call –just one phone call. And see if they can help you .Because that’s what I did and I’m here to tell the tale.”

From midnight tonight – 10th September the complete film will be available to view on this link:

http://vimeo.com/m/48721158 

If you are on twitter – please use #ucancope,  #suicideprevention and #calltoaction to help us trend and to raise profile of this very important message of hope.

If you have a facebook account please add this link and help us reach and connect with new audiences – you are an important part of our message. 

Response to Daily Mail article on Self Harm

Dr Alys Cole-King writes:

“I have just read the article on self harm in today’s Daily Mail (6/9/12, p.47). I am very disappointed. I contributed to the piece in good faith     and spent a considerable amount of time preparing a summary of the current research evidence and giving the journalist an accurate picture    of the problem.

The journalist has quoted me correctly but I am extremely concerned in the level of repetitive detail in the article regarding the methods used in self harm. The opening paragraph is particularly lurid and   sensationalist. I asked the journalist specifically not to include this     kind of detail, pointing out the evidence that publicising methods of      self harm can lead to increased incidence of self harming behaviour.

I am equally dismayed by the lack of any positive message in the article regarding what people can do to help themselves, or to support people they are worried about.  I am deeply concerned that the article may cause worry and distress to vulnerable young people and their family and friends. A parent or relative of a young person who self harms, on  reading this article is likely to feel more hopeless rather less, since      there is no positive message given or information about the various sources of help and support available. As a parent it would upset and concern me to read the article if I did not know all the positive aspects     as I do, particularly that people can be helped and that a lot of self-harming behaviour in adolescents resolves on its own – a fact which itself could provide a great deal of hope and reassurance to many.

It is easy for young people to feel overwhelmed when upsetting things happen.  They have not yet developed or refined their coping skills and they may feel that some problems are outside of their control or with no simple answer. Enhancing coping and resilience by helping them think about developing   personal control can make the difference. In    addition, ‘Talking not Harming’ is an important transition in the road    to recovery – the more appropriate supportive opportunities available for an individual who self-harms, the greater the likelihood distress can be minimised.

Key messages:

  • Every contact with individuals who self-harm is a   chance to address the emotional distress that they are feeling.
  • Early intervention can prevent escalation of   self-harming behaviours and can establish other coping strategies that are not harmful.
  • It is never too late to take action to help a situation that seems hopeless.

 Concerned adults should respond in a caring and non judgemental way. This will create a good foundation for your discussions

This in turn will enhance the willingness of the young person to accept further help and thus may lead to reduction of self-harming behaviours. Suggestions for talking to a someone who you think has self-harmed or  is thinking about self –harm involve:

  • Calm, caring manner
  • Active listening
  • Open body language
  • Safe environment where you will not be interrupted
  • Non-judgemental/no blame approach
  • Appropriate eye contact
  • Reflection – show them that you are listening to what they are telling you

It is never too late to take action to help a situation that seems hopeless- Help is available if you just know what to do and where to go.

Many people do not know how to approach someone who they think might be engaging in self -harm and people who are distressed or overwhelmed and considering self harm do not know where to go for help. We have produced a series of leaflets on behalf of the Royal    College of Psychiatrists giving information on how to cope.

The U Can Cope resource is particularly aimed towards young people to build their ability to cope with life’s difficulties and build their     resilience. This is freely available via the internet and we are also    raising money via the U Can Cope charity to distribute pocket sized leaflets as widely as possible.

These are available for free through the Royal College of Psychiatrists  and the Connecting with People website

 Royal College of Psychiatrists: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/youngpeople/ ucancope.aspx

And the Connecting with People website http://www.connectingwithpeople.org/

Finally, I would like everyone to know that:

  • Thousands of people are overwhelmed every day … but find ways  to get through these intense feelings -  like them, you can get through it
  • You just have to cope with one day at a time
  •  Your distress can be a sign that you need to change something in your life”

Suicide Prevention – what it means to me

Hi,

I am a first time blogger so please bear with me if this is not the style of blog of which you’re used to.  My name is Mel and my brother Martyn took his own life 4 years ago, he was a farmer, 27 and we had no idea he was struggling to cope. He was not in touch with services, he had just got married 4 months before.

In hindsight my brother was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders; I can remember seeing him looking stressed andbeing quiet. I am a mental health social worker and I forgot to ask him if he was ok?  I did not give him the chance to tell me how he was doing; he listened to me, but then he did not get much of a chance not to!

If you are worried about someone, a work colleague, personalfriend or service user; remember to ask them how they are feeling.

Did you know that it is World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10thSeptember?

Well you do now, so talk about it. Think about how people struggle and feel trapped between a rock and a hard place. There are organisations that can help, but you can too. A smile can oftenhelp and so can giving someone some of your time. If you ask someone if they are thinking about ending their life; you’re not going to make them feel worse and you will not be the reason why they might choose to take their own life - but you could be the reason why they don’t.

Here is a link to a great trailer for a film about suicide – U can Cope. Please watch and encourage others to watch and share it. It is only a couple of minutes long; the full film is 22 mins long.

U can Cope Trail

As part of the World Suicide Prevention Day, I am sharing Martyn’s story and promoting the above film.

In Barnsley we are having promotion of the launch of the film on the psychiatric wards and a public café. I am speaking with the Council to get the film on loop at pay points across the borough. I have put it on my Facebook page and have emailed it to all of my contacts. Barnsley’s public health department are also promoting this. Think about it-, what could you do to help?

Samaritans Call to Action

Samaritans’ Head of Communications Chantel Scherer-Reid with Samaritans’ Projects and Partnerships Manager Cecil Sinclair

Samaritans is not only for people who are suicidal. We know that when we reach out and help people earlier, we can genuinely reduce suicidal risk.  We also know that life can be unbelievably tough, but we believe that given the chance, many people are able to work through their problems themselves if they are able to find someone to listen unconditionally when they need it.

In today’s world it has never been more important to resolve our problems and issues by talking about them. We are pleased to be a part of the film – U Can Cope, which is being released on World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD – 10th September). The film promotes the message that there is always hope and there is always help.   We know that anyone can experience suicidal thoughts and talking is much more than just an ‘outlet’- it can move you forward and, it can make you stronger.

Reducing and preventing suicide is our mission and last year we began working closely with over 50 national organisations to develop a shared declaration for suicide prevention. Part of this declaration recognises the need to improve help-seeking behaviours among ‘high risk’ groups and across the wider population. This Call to Action for Suicide Prevention has adopted an underlying theme for all shared communications activity of ‘seeking help and finding hope’.

When Dr Alys Cole-King approached us to become involved with U Can Cope, we saw it as a great opportunity to work with our Call to Action partners. This film will be a real first step towards delivering the aims of our joint declaration and will be aired on 10th September at the official launch of the Call to Action at the Houses of Parliament.

Samaritans is always looking for new and innovative ways to reach people who are struggling to cope.  The majority of people who contact us do so via traditional methods, but a strong digital presence helps us let people know that they can talk to us anytime they like, in their own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to them.  U Can Cope will help people understand that anyone can have suicidal thoughts and that help is available.

U can Cope trail

We’re delighted with the response following the release of our promo for the U can Cope film. Two days and over  125 viewings. On our twitter @ucancope we’ve had lots of positive responses too. One of the most touching was from a talk show host who questioned whether by talking about it (suicide), we might be promoting it…well after our response: “the message of UcanCope is hope and even if you borrow others’ hope you will make it though!” his response: “that’s a good message.”

We’re putting the final touches to the film and we’ll be launching it on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10/09/12. Do share and promote our message of hope.

U can Cope Trail