Concern over Covid related self-harming in NI

With the pressures of the Covid-19 lockdown, job losses and the economic downturn all said to be having a negative impact, Lady Mary Peters has also backed an initiative to raise awareness.

The Samaritans charity has revealed it supported nearly 645,000 callers across the UK in the first 13 weeks of lockdown, with volunteers reporting that one in three callers talked about Covid-19 and were generally more “anxious” and “stressed”.

As a result, the RCPsych NI has said that health services should have a “concrete plan” in place to help those at greatest risk – particularly if a second wave of the pandemic occurs over the winter months.

The call comes on World Suicide Prevention Day as Northern Ireland’s new interim mental health champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, launched the ‘Connect’ to prevent suicide campaign.

The campaign highlights the public to take the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ and the mental health benefits of applying these within our daily lives. The 5 steps are ‘Connect’, ‘Be Active’, ‘Take Notice’, ‘Keep Learning’ and ‘Give’.

An increase in domestic violence and addiction problems are also said to be adding to the risk of more people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Dr Gerry Lynch of RCPsych in NI, said: “History has taught us that at times of economic and social upheaval, including changes to everyday life, can lead to an increase in self-harm.

“The pandemic has caused many problems. Financial stressors, job losses, bereavement, isolation, a rise in domestic violence and addictions all contribute to suicidal thoughts.

“We need to work together to stop a potential rise in people taking their own lives. This is why we fully support Professor O’Neill’s campaign – which comes at a very crucial time.”

Dr Lynch added: “All mental health services need to be prepared for a potential influx of mental health cases and a potential second wave. We need to be ready and have a concrete plan in place to save lives.”

Commenting ahead of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, Professor O’Neill said: “Across the world, one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds.

“As mental health champion, I will drive forward the actions within the ‘Protect Life 2’ Suicide Prevention Strategy and ensure suicide prevention is considered in all key policies.”

Also to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Lady Mary Peters has contributed to a series of powerful videos highlighting the impact of suicide on those left behind.

Lady Peters said: “I am delighted to be able to participate in these innovative videos. Usually the families of those touched by suicide would be getting together, but because of the Covid restrictions that isn’t possible this year.

“I have been a supporter of the [Extern] SAFE project for many years and am full of respect and admiration for all that they do. I will be thinking of all the families today.”

The Extern charity initiative includes videos of family members holding placards with messages telling how losing a loved one has affected their lives.