Two people die by suicide in Scotland everyday and it is a fact that talking can save lives by talking more openly about suicide, suicidal thoughts or even feeling lost, unsure and anxious about things.

Especially now after the past 18 months of uncertainty through Covid, research shows that talking about it can reduce the stigma out there which prevents many seeking the help they need.

There are a lot of organisations out there that can help and have listed a few below with all their information if needed.

As we start to meet up again with friends, family and everyone getting back to a normal life again, please remember that there could be someone out there who is needing help. 

Whether it be family members, teammates, friends it sometimes just takes a simple line like “How are you today” that can have a world of difference to someone struggling, that someone cares.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Samaritans – Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it’s always free to call from any landline or mobile phone. call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• NHS 24’s mental health hub – Call 111 
• Breathing Space – The service is open 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday — 6am Monday) and 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday — Thursday). Call 0800 83 85 87 – https://breathingspace.scot/ 
• Shout Crisis Text Line – Text “SHOUT” to 85258, text “YM” if you are under 19.
• Visit NHS Inform for information – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/suicide-information 
• Visit https://clearyourhead.scot/ – for tips on self help for mental wellbeing
• Check out Samaritans self help app – https://selfhelp.samaritans.org/ 
• Read the  Art of Conversation guide to listening and talking about suicide
• Download The Prevent Suicide D&G App contains information on support services and a space to develop a safety plan. It can be downloaded onto most smart phones. Download OS App Here / Android App Here

Signs to look out for that a person may be feeling under distress and suicidal include:

(Source: NHS Inform: Suicide Information)

• Sharing feelings of hopelessness
• Episodes of sudden rage and anger
• Act recklessly and engage in risky activities with an apparent lack of concern about the consequences
• Talking about feeling trapped, such as saying they can’t see any way out of their current situation
• A change in their appetite leading to weight gain or loss 
• Become increasingly withdrawn from friends, family and society 
• Appearing anxious and agitated
• Being unable to sleep or they sleep all the time
• Sudden mood swings – a sudden lift in mood after a period of depression could indicate they have made the decision to attempt suicide
• Talking and acting in ways that suggests their life has no sense of purpose
• Loss of interest in most things, including their appearance.

As you know Annan Rugby have partnered up with The Looseheadz Foundation to Support Players, Coaches, Staff and Volunteers.

Their mission is simple; use our platform to find new and innovative ways to advance the dialogue around mental health.

Here at Annan Rugby our Mental Health Co-ordinator is

LAURA MacKAY

If you need any more information or just a chat you can contact Laura on:-

Mobile: 07808660753  / Email: LauraMac@AnnanRFC.com