TV presenter #CarolineFlack was found dead in her north London home on 15 February.
A lawyer for the 40-year-old’s family said she took her own life.
She was due to stand trial, charged with assaulting her boyfriend last year.
In response to the tragic news, the Samaritans tweeted: “If you’re findings things tough tonight and feel like you’ve got nowhere to turn, we’re here to listen.”
#Suicide is a leading cause of death, with one person taking their life every 40 seconds worldwide.
In the UK and Republic of Ireland alone, 6,859 people died by #suicide in 2018.
Men are three times more likely to end their life than women, with the 45-to-49 age group most vulnerable.
“Our research shows #suicide is complex and is rarely caused by one thing,” a Samaritans spokesperson told Yahoo UK.
“We know many people who express suicidal thoughts and feelings do not want to die; they simply do not want to carry on with the life they have and are unable to see any other way to cope with what they are experiencing.
“Talking can really help a person to see a way through this and we would encourage anyone who is feeling low to reach out for help.
“We know many people find it hard to speak openly or ask for help when they are struggling, but talking can be life-saving – whether it’s with a family member, friend or a confidential helpline like Samaritans.”
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
How to spot when a loved one may have suicidal thoughts
Suicidal feelings can affect people of any age, sex or background.
Those who feel this way may have been battling emotions of worthlessness or helplessness for some time.
For unclear reasons, men are more at risk. This may be due to society’s “expectation” to “get on with things”.
People from #LGBTQ communities are also more at risk, possibly due to bullying or discrimination.
Nevertheless, there are no defined warning signs when it comes to #suicidal thoughts.
Many of those who experience these emotions are depressed, which can lead to substance abuse, fatigue, and disturbed eating or sleeping patterns.
Some also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as sex.
They may struggle to concentrate, remember things or make decisions. Some may also appear irritable, tearful or panicky.
People may just act “out of sorts”, whether that’s by being unusually quiet, confrontational or reckless.
Look out for signs someone may be preparing to end their life, like making a will.
Overall, Rethink #MentalIllness urges people to trust their instincts if something seems alarming.
How to encourage someone to talk
If a loved one seems to be struggling, we often want to help, but are unsure where to start.
The Samaritans #stress that you do not have to be an expert – just listening can often help people “work through what’s on their mind”.
The late Reverend Chad Varah, founder of The Samaritans, said: “There are in this world, in every country, people who seem to be ‘ordinary’, but who, when meeting a #suicidal person, turn out to be extraordinary.
“They can usually save lives. How? They give the sad person their total attention.
“They completely forget themselves. They listen and listen and listen, without interrupting. They have no message. They do not preach”.
When it comes to starting the conversation, find somewhere quiet, where you will not be interrupted.
Set aside plenty of time and ensure you are both physically comfortable.
To show you care, put away your phone and maintain eye contact.
Resolve not to talk about yourself – make it all about the other person.
The first attempt to start this conversation may be unsuccessful.
Remember, it can take a lot for a person to open up and they should not feel rushed.
If you are trying to encourage someone to discuss their feelings, try keeping a listening diary, noting the times you listened well and when you were distracted.
The Samaritans encourage “non-judgmental listening”, where a person is “safe” to reflect on the emotions they are experiencing.
If they pause, do not rush to fill the silence. It may take time to formulate how they feel or they may struggle to find the words to sum it up.
Aim for open-ended questions that have more than just a “yes” or “no” response.
Try: “How are you feeling today?” You could then follow their answer with: “Tell me more.”
Show empathy by saying: “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand.”
Repeating their response shows they have your undivided attention.
It also reassures them you have not misunderstood or made your own interpretations.
If you feel you have said the wrong thing, do not panic.
You could follow with: “I realise that was insensitive, I’m sorry. I’m still here for you.”
Rethink #MentalIllnesses stresses that “talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts does not make them more likely to end their life”.
“Many people feel relieved and less isolated when they are asked these sorts of questions,” Stephen Buckley, from Mind, told Yahoo UK.
Reassure the person the feeling will not last forever, while encouraging them to get through the day rather than looking to the future.
Importantly, do not tell them to “cheer up” or “pull themselves together”.
Do not say they should not be feeling the way they do or that they should be grateful for their good life.
This can make them feel rejected, ignored, patronised or guilty.
Where to send people who need extra support
If a loved one still feels low after talking it through, they may need extra support from a counsellor.
Try asking: “Have you talked to anyone else about this?”, “Would you like to get some help?” and “Would you like me to come with you?”
If they are reluctant, ask “Do you have someone you trust you can go to?” and let them know they can talk to you at any time.
“If somebody has ongoing #suicidal thoughts, you could also offer practical support like helping them access #mentalhealthservices”, said Buckley.
The Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org
The non-emergency NHS number 111 also offers health advice.
For those outside the UK, Befrienders Worldwide lists helplines in different countries.
If someone is speaking of attempting #suicide or has hurt themselves, call 999.
Caring for someone in distress can trigger low mood in itself. Ensure you reach out for support if it all gets too much.
“If someone tries to end their life, this is not your fault,” Rethink #MentalIllness adds.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
