#Suicideprevention should be a “priority public health issue” for Scotland in the wake of the #coronavirus #pandemic, ministers have been told.
The group cites anecdotal evidence in the UK of more people struggling with their #mentalhealth and thinking about #suicide, saying this is seen “through police call-outs and crisis helplines, as individuals turn to remote support where social support is currently unavailable”.784Number of suicides in Scotland in 2018
There has also been an increase in calls to the #mentalhealth advice line Breathing Space, the report says.
It warns: “While data on #suicide rates during the #pandemic is not yet available, the adverse effects on people with #mentalillness and on population #mentalhealth in general, are likely to be exacerbated by fear, self-isolation and physical distancing.”
There were 784 suicides in Scotland in 2018 – up from 680 the previous year.
The report is clear “#suicideprevention is and should continue to be an integral part of Scotland’s #Covid-19 #pandemic public health response and recovery phases”.
As part of this, the group is calling on the Scottish Government to undertake enhanced monitoring of statistics on #suicide and self-harm to identify emerging trends and groups at risk, to enable early preventative action.
Ministers are also being urged to consider setting up a specific public #suicideprevention campaign, distinct from the Clear Your Head #mentalhealth campaign launched during the #coronavirus crisis.
A separate campaign is needed to “encourage people at risk of #suicide and in suicidal crisis to seek help without #stigma”, the NSPLG says.
Another recommendation is for a greater focus on “specifically suicidal crisis intervention – to ensure that those in suicidal crisis can access timely help and support, and meet any increase in numbers”.
The report also urges ministers to act to restrict access to the most commonly used means of #suicide.
There is global concern that the #Covid-19 #pandemic may increase #suicide rates
The report states: “As Scotland faces the extraordinary challenges arising from the #Covid-19 #pandemic it is clear that these are difficult and uncertain times for many people and it is highly likely the impacts of the #pandemic on individual #mentalhealth and well-being will be felt for some time to come.
“There is global concern that the #Covid-19 #pandemic may increase #suicide rates.
#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
“Studies of past epidemics support an association between previous infectious disease-related public health emergencies and increased risk of #suicide, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
“It is therefore critical that #suicideprevention is a priority public health issue for Scotland which is integral to government planning now, confidently built on the best evidence of what works to save lives.”
The report also recommends a longer-term, potentially 10-year, #suicideprevention strategy for Scotland be drawn up, building on the current #SuicidePrevention Action Plan.
This could consider “the wider links between #suicide and inequalities, deprivation, social security, employment, criminal justice/prisons, the relationship between #suicide and self-harm; and the #stigma which still surrounds #suicide”, the NSPLG said.
A Scottish Government spokesman said ministers will consider the recommendations “carefully”.
He added: “#Mentalhealth and well-being are a top priority for the Scottish Government and we want everyone to have access to appropriate support.
“That’s why we’ve provided £6 million in additional funding during the #pandemic to support the NHS24 and Breathing Space telephone helplines, as well as the Clear Your Head campaign, which has practical resources to help people proactively manage their #mentalhealth.
“Public Health Scotland and NHS 24 are already working closely with NSPLG to monitor #suicide and self-harm data, and we will continue to work with partners in the sector on #mentalhealth and well-being campaigns targeted at well-being, #stigma and #suicideprevention.”
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
