A man struggling with his mental health

Reaching out: The importance of helplines for mental health and suicide prevention

On World Suicide Prevention Day, our Helpline and Information Officer, Uschi shares the importance of reaching out to Helplines such as Epilepsy Scotland’s when thinking about suicide or even already have plans in place.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Awareness days play such an important part in shining the spotlight on important issues, particularly those that can be difficult to talk about.

I am often struck by how reluctant we still are to talk about suicide. Sadly, with increased demand on stretched mental health services, people may not get the help they need or may need to wait for a long time before they can access specialist services.

Epilepsy and mental health struggles often go hand in hand. The psychological impact of this potentially life changing condition can be profound.

Side effects from anti-seizure medication can include mood swings, anxiety, or sometimes suicidal ideations.

And the unpredictable nature of epilepsy leaves many struggling with their mental health. Without the right support, people can sometimes feel there is no way out other than ending their life.

That’s why our helpline is such a lifeline service.

 

Suicide intervention training

I still remember doing the suicide intervention training many years ago when I started this job.

We were asked to do an anonymous exercise at the beginning of the course, indicating on a post-it note whether we ever had experienced suicidal ideations, attempted suicide, or knew someone who had taken their life.

It was a huge shock to me finding out that so many people in this room had been touched by suicide. That was a big eye opener for me and made me determined to help destigmatise talking about suicide.

18 years later, I still work on the helpline, and sadly, still talk about suicide.

Asking the direct question ‘Are you feeling suicidal’ can still feel like the most important question in the world.

I often hear the relief in the caller’s voice, an opening, an invitation to talk about suicide. My job is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space and hold that space for the caller while I help them explore their reasons for wanting to end it all.

I will also explore their reasons for still being here and, if necessary, we may agree on some steps to keep them safe.

I might be the first person who has listened. Also, I might be the first person they have opened up to about their suicidal ideations or plans. I always treat this with the utmost respect.

Of course, you can’t walk away from a call like this without spending some time reflecting on the call and decompressing.

And when some of your clients tell you they wouldn’t be here without my telephone support, that’s the ultimate motivator for me to carry on. Listening to someone really can be life changing.

 

Talking about your mental health

Talking to a stranger, someone you have no emotional connection to, can make opening up sometimes easier.

Whatever you disclose, you don’t have to worry about my reactions, you don’t have to worry about how I will take this.

Families and friends can be a huge source of support too, and their reactions usually come from a place of love for you. It’s normal for loved ones to be shocked and upset on hearing you are feeling suicidal.

Sometimes, that’s exactly what you may need to hear, but their emotional reactions can also make you shut down and not want to talk about it again. That’s why helplines are so important.

So, if you feel like your life is spinning out of control, think about suicide or even have already plans in place, please reach out to us.

Take that first step, pick up your phone and dial our helpline number 0808 800 2200. You can also contact us by private messaging us on our social media platforms or emailing contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk.

I promise we will take you seriously, we will listen, we won’t judge, and we will do whatever we can to keep you safe.

We will give you that much needed breathing space and hopefully make you realise that your life is still worth living.