Football Pundits Urge Scotland To ‘Get Talking’ And Save Lives

Pundits from the world of football joined Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald in Glasgow in a bid to get people talking about Scotland’s hidden killer – suicide, at the start of this year’s International Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (ISPAW). On  average, more than two people every day die from suicide in Scotland.  It is the biggest killer of young Scottish men, yet arguably it remains one of society’s last remaining taboos. Well-known ‘talkers’ Sky Sports’ Charlie Nicholas and Setanta Sports’ Scott Booth are backing the Scottish Executive’s Choose Life campaign to help drive home the message that talking about suicide can save lives.

Suicide affects all ages, genders and cultures but almost 75% of all suicides in Scotland are by men and it is hoped this week will tackle the culture of ‘real men don’t talk’.

Charlie Nicholas said: “Suicide is something that will touch many of us in some form at some point in our lives. It really is up to us all to take responsibility. It’s ironic how people can come to a game and enjoy banter with their friends, but can’t talk about anything that may be bothering them at a deeper level. It may be hard to take that first step but talking and getting problems out in the open can make the difference between life and death.”

Choose Life, Scotland’s national suicide prevention strategy and action plan was launched in 2002 to tackle what was, at that time, a growing problem in Scotland.  Although Scotland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, over the past five years the figures have started to decrease. In 2005, there were 763 suicides and suspected suicides in Scotland, compared to 835 in 2004, which is the lowest reported figure since 1991.   

Lewis Macdonald, Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care added: “Many of us will have been affected by suicide in some way – most people will know of a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbour who has taken his or her own life or has attempted to do so.  Yet people are still hesitant to discuss this issue.

“Talking about suicide, even simply asking someone how they are feeling can be the key to helping to prevent suicide. It can also help people to deal with their problems rather than avoiding them by perhaps misusing alcohol or taking drugs. Traditionally, it is the robust culture of Scottish men not to discuss any problems they have but I hope this week will encourage more men to speak up.”

Throughout the week, Choose Life will be promoting suicide prevention training across Scotland.  This ranges from SuicideTALK, a 90 minute awareness raising session, to ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a two day interactive workshop which has seen over 7,500 people across Scotland trained to spot the signs of suicide and help those in need.

Samaritans in Scotland will also be launching a new national billboard campaign on 4th September 2006 at their Glasgow branch, to co-incide with the beginning of the week. The launch will be attended by broadcaster Angus Simpson, who is lending his support to the campaign. Half of the billboards are aimed at volunteer recruitment and half will encourage more people throughout Scotland to speak out and ask for help.

Yet, as valuable as formal training and support from external organisations are, Choose Life is keen to stress that talking – whether you are struggling with suicidal feelings yourself or worried about someone that you know – is a key part of bringing issues out into the open and helping to break down taboos.

Caroline Farquhar, Head of Implementation for Choose Life said: “Every suicide in Scotland leaves behind it a trail of devastation and unanswered questions. Many people think that talking about suicide will put the idea into someone’s head – that is simply not true.  Only by talking can we hope to make it easier for people to speak openly and honestly about how they are feeling, and not to be embarrassed or ashamed to do so. It could help to save their life”.

This is echoed by Michael, a 29 year old who has attempted suicide on a number of occasions, but has since turned his life around. “Looking back, I was the last person that people would suspect was struggling with suicidal feelings. It just goes to show that you can’t ever judge a book by its cover.

“Mental health issues can be something that people just don’t feel comfortable talking about but with one in four people in Scotland suffering from mental ill health at some point in their lives, it could just as easily be you or someone that you know that has to face these issues. If people were more accepting of mental health issues, people would surely find it easier to talk about their problems, before they spiral out of control.”

To find out how to get involved in suicide prevention training, visit www.chooselife.net