During the latter years of my service in the Police force, I dealt with numerous suicides in my role as a dedicated hospital liaison officer and witnessed the devastating effect it had on families, friends and relatives first-hand.

Many factors have been linked to suicide, these include living in deprived areas and experiencing unemployment or financial difficulties (including debt and housing difficulties), alcohol and substance misuse, marital problems, ending up in the court system and loneliness.

It has been highlighted that women between the ages of 42 and 52 who are perimenopausal, and suffering from depression, are more at risk of suicide. Suicide rates for women aged 45 to 54 – the most common age for perimenopause and menopause – have risen 6% in 20 years, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The issues they’re dealing with affect their relationships, family lives, and the workplace. Unfortunately, workplace management does not always fully understand the impact of menopause, and so is unequipped to handle to situation. The UK Menopause Taskforce, established to bring together ongoing work to improve holistic support and care for menopause, identified some priorities for menopause research.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is now commissioning a menopause research prioritisation exercise. This prioritisation exercise will also consider research recommendations from a range of experts such as the National Institute for Clinical Care Excellence (NICE).

It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms, however it can be extremely difficult to identify, but you could look out for the following:

• Low energy
• Irritable
• Weight gain
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of sex drive
• Saying things like “People would be better off without me”
• Perhaps their appearance becomes scruffy, they’re late for work a lot, taking more breaks than usual, or giving possessions away, etc.

If you are concerned about someone who you think may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, the only way to be sure is to ask them directly.

Addressing risk factors

Addressing risk factors linked to suicide is a central part of effective suicide prevention. Early intervention, and appropriate, tailored support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings can help. By talking to someone about suicide, it creates a safe space for them to be open and honest with how they feel. It’s not always easy to know if someone is suicidal.

How to Talk to them.

You want to respect their privacy and minimize the chance you will be interrupted during your talk. Asking someone if they are feeling suicidal can bring them relief because someone finally

acknowledges how badly they are feeling.

We all need to help break the stigma surrounding suicide by being more aware, educating ourselves, being aware of attitudes and behaviours, and choosing our words carefully when talking to someone about suicide.

Together, let’s end the stigma.

Andrea Brown

Organisations for help:

The Samaritans: 116 123

Papyrus Suicide Prevention: 0800 068 4141

Mind: 0300 123 3393

Calm: 0800 58 58 58

S.O.S: 0300 1020 505