Encouraging people to open up about their feelings could save lives according to the campaign Choose Life.
Launching Suicide Prevention Week in Perth and Kinross, Choose Life is tackling the impact of suicide through its ‘read between the lines’ campaign, which calls on everyone to be alert to the warning signs in people close to them.
The message is that if you’re worried about someone, such as a friend, family member or workmate, asking them directly about their feelings can help to save their life.
Last year 18 people locally took their own lives, leaving a lasting impact on families, friends and communities.
The campaign acknowledges that signs of suicide can be ambiguous, but encourages people to take all signs of distress seriously, even if the person seems to be living a normal life. It also aims to assure people that asking a person about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference.
On Wednesday a community event was held in Perth High Street offering a range of information including details of support services and suicide awareness and prevention training opportunities.
Housing and health convener, Councillor Dave Doogan said: “If you become aware of a friend, family member or work colleague struggling with day to day life and expressing thoughts of suicide, it’s really important to encourage them to talk about their concerns and listen and take it seriously.
“While some groups of people are at increased risk of suicide, it can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, culture or previous mental health — which makes it vital to know how to offer an understanding ear and where to encourage people to go to for further help and support.
“This event highlights how we can all help to prevent suicide, through training, the resources available like the relaunch of the Tayside Suicide Help website and mobile phone app, and the organisations that provide support here in Perth and Kinross.
“We would urge everyone to take the time to find out more.”