'Talking About Suicide Saves Lives'

Tuesday, 10 September 2019 11:22

The new head of Jersey's Mental Health service wants islanders to start having conversations about suicide - saying it could help save a life.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and Dr Miguel Garcia says if we have concerns about someone's welfare, we shouldn't be worrying about 'putting ideas in their head':

"Anybody who is struggling and is thinking life is not worth living...If you ask them about it can be a relief because they are holding this distress inside and they don't feel comfortable to talk about it. Having somebody who cares and is willing to talk about it can make a big difference." - Dr Garcia, Associate Medical Director for Mental Health.

Globally, every 40 seconds a life is lost by suicide.

In Jersey latest figures show 126 people took their own lives between 2006 and 2016.

"Suicide has a devastating effect on any community, especially one as small and close-knit as Jersey. It is vital that we all - from the Government to the third sector organisations and from family to colleagues - join together to stop suicide."

"Talking about suicide doesn't cause people to kill themselves, but not talking about it might."

Dr Garcia is working with the Suicide Prevention Group. Its new interim head, nurse consultant Ronan Mulhern has taken over from Director of Public Health Policy Martin Knight to identify how services can be developed to reduce the suicide risk in the island.

Last night candles were lit in the Royal Square to symbolise every islander lost by suicide in the past dozen years.

A service of remembrance took place this morning led by the Reverend Martyn Shea.

Image credit: Thrive Jersey

More from Jersey News

Plans to modernise Jersey's 'extremely outdated' cremation rules

Jersey's rules on cremation are being modernised for the first time since the 1960s.
Driver 'seriously injured' in Grouville crash

A driver has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in Jersey.
Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.