Managing suicidal thoughts and intent during Covid-19
UK based Mental Health Counsellor Reg. MBACP, FSP Sheila McMahon shares her thoughts on managing suicidal thoughts and intent during Covid-19. Sheila, a published author and a survivor of mental Ill health, has also appeared on TV, radio and performed numerous shows to help organisations and charities.
“Suicide is a word that most people avoid, this is understandable when we explore the stigma attached.
The stigma of suicide
Historically, in our society people were judged for taking their own life. Suicide was seen as a criminal act and people were denied their own proper burial. It was only in 1961 that the Suicide Act came about in the United Kingdom. It decriminalized the act of suicide in England and Wales so that those who failed in the attempt to kill themselves would no longer be prosecuted. In Ireland it has only been since 1993 that the act of suicide was deemed no longer a crime. In some countries today suicide is still seen as a crime.
Suicidal factors
With the second lockdown, loneliness, underlying mental health conditions and as we head into winter along with S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can be a ticking time bomb for rising rates of suicide.
No one should have to answer the door to be told their loved one has been taken by suicide, however this was the case for Helen where 5 weeks into the first lockdown, her son Ben took his own life. People like Ben, who struggled with mental health issues before the lockdown can have their feelings intensified by this current situation and sometimes it’s just too overwhelming.
‘It’s time to get talking’
This is why, after taking my sell-out mental health theatre shows online, I am doing a special show dedicated to understanding suicide and suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s crucial for the UK to begin talking about suicide and eliminate the stigma surrounding discussing suicide.
When we look at suicide prevention we can learn how to listen to someone with suicidal thoughts. We can take the pressure off of having to ‘Fix’ someone as most times the person just needs an outlet to talk about their suicidal thoughts without being judged.
We can learn helpful responses like…“I don’t know how you are feeling but if you want to cry, shout, scream I’m okay with that”. Bottling up emotions is one of the biggest factors that leads to suicide so encouraging the person to talk or being ok with them taking their anger out on a punch bag can be a huge relief for someone struggling.
It is so important that we are ok with not being ok. We as a society can create change.
‘A problem shared is a problem halved’
The show will address other difficult topics, such as the fact men are 3 times more likely to take their own life and the damaging 'man up' ideology that is still present in the UK. There are so many factors that lead to someone taking their own life, In the show we will explore what are the signs and symptoms to watch out for, what we can do about it and how we can help each other.
The show will hopefully provide the early intervention people need to address the topic of suicide and its relationship with the COVID-19 pandemic before more tragic casualties take place.”
Tickets for the online event can be purchased at https://www.mindmanagementforyou.com/. The show will take place at 7:45 pm on Saturday 28th November via Zoom and 10% of the profits from the show will go to the Samaritans.
If you are struggling to cope, please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Notes to the Editor
UK based Sheila McMahon, is a Mental Health Qualified Counsellor Reg. MBACP, FTP and Comedienne. Sheila, is also a published author who has also appeared on TV and radio has also performed numerous sell out mental health shows. You can contact Sheila McMahon at contact@mindmanagementforyou.com or 07799 791537
Further information at www.mindmanagementforyou.com