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Mental Health Solicitors

Bradford Council encourages more men to talk about mental health to lower suicide rates (19 September 2016)

Date: 19/09/2016
Duncan Lewis, Mental Health Solicitors, Bradford Council encourages more men to talk about mental health to lower suicide rates

Bradford Council is encouraging more people to talk about their anxieties and worries – and to seek help if they need to – as a key part of efforts to cut suicide rates in Bradford.

The council is especially keen to encourage men to talk more about problems with mental health – nationally, men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

They are also less likely to share their problems and seek help for mental health problems.

Between 40 and 50 people die each year as a result of suicide in Bradford – and the rate of 12.1 deaths per 100,000 people is above the national average.

However, the council is keen for people to realise that suicide is preventable and it is not an inevitable act – the vast majority of people who do have thoughts about taking their life are able to find help and support and go on to happier, mentally healthier lives.

The council says that, if someone does experience suicidal thoughts, they should contact their GP for a conversation about how they can be best supported.

If they feel they are in a crisis, Bradford’s First Response service offers support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis across the district.

Bradford Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Val Slater, said:

“We can all play our part in helping to improve the mental health of the district.

“Talking about your mental health isn’t strange or wrong – it’s an important first step in being able to resolve the issues you face and finding help.

“Taking a few minutes to listen to family, friends or work colleagues' concerns can really be a significant help which can often guide them to find their own solutions.”

The council is promoting three actions for people contemplating suicide, taken from the Grassroots Suicide Prevention advice, including waiting and not doing anything to cause harm to themselves or act on thoughts of suicide.

The council also advises that suicidal behaviour is an attempt to solve what feels like an overwhelming set of problems – and when struggling to cope, the mind closes down on creativity and our problem solving skills become much more limited. The council says people who experience suicidal thoughts should be aware that their thoughts and feelings can change – and advises people to talk to someone, whether a friend, family member, or support service such as Samaritans or a local service.

The council also says people experiencing suicidal thoughts should try to keep themselves safe – which might mean removing planned methods of suicide or asking someone to help with this, as well as trying not to be alone; and, if possible, be with someone they trust or who knows that they are thinking about suicide.

Those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts should also try to avoid alcohol or illegal drugs.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.


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