A mental health worker who helps people with suicidal thoughts return to independent living has opened up about the warning signs which can be triggered by suicidal ideation.
Lydia Evans, a team manager at Response – Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity – wants more people to be aware of the hidden signs which could suggest a person might be considering ending their own life.
It includes behaviours a person close to the individual would consider as opposite to their normal, withdrawing from friendship groups and feelings of hopelessness.
Lydia’s advice coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, an annual observance to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented with the correct support provisions.
It comes after 7,147 deaths in the UK were registered as suicide in 2024 – the equivalent of 20 suicides per day.
Lydia said:
“If a person is typically calm and collected, I would become concerned if they were to start behaving erratically.
“Behaviours which are opposite to what you might be used to with an individual can be a warning sign.
“Ultimately, it’s critical to have a rapport with someone and feel comfortable in exploring the subject.
“By asking someone if they’re suicidal, it will not increase their chances of becoming suicidal. It is important to ask, especially when everyone is experiencing their own personal challenges day-to-day.”
Response works with more than 500 adults and young people experiencing severe mental health challenges at any given time.
The charity is marking its 60th anniversary this year and provides supported living and tailored support programmes to those leaving statutory services with a view to helping them back into independent living.
Lydia added:
“When a person leaves statutory care, it can be incredibly challenging for them to build skills and become part of the community again.
“That is where our work at Response is critical.
“Without our team, more pressure would be placed on statutory services, which already operate at an unsustainable level.
“It is our role to make a person feel safe and supported until they are ready to integrate back into the community.”
According to Samaritans, as many as one in four people will experience thoughts of taking their own life during their lifetime.
Lydia said listening and being non-judgemental is critical to anyone who is engaged with a person who might be developing feelings of taking their own life.
She added:
“We have to be non-judgemental, resilient and mindful in every aspect of our role, because you never know what a person may have experienced that day.
“At the same time, a lot of our work requires us to be proactive, so when a challenge presents itself to an individual which could leave them vulnerable to suicidal thoughts, we are there to help.
“It requires hope, trust and positive risk-taking.
“Seeing those positive changes to people’s lives – however big or small – is what makes our role so special.”
Further information about Response and the charity’s work is available online via www.response.org.uk. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should call 111, or can text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to a professional via text message.
