09:00, 10 September 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Losing a loved one to Suicide is never easy, and World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of mental health awareness and the collective responsibility we share in preventing suicide.
This year, Bipolar UK conducted a revolutionary survey that found out 90% of people with bipolar experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year. With further research showing that Bipolar has the highest risk of suicide of any mental health condition and estimations that 15-20% of people living with bipolar will die by suicide, and 60% of people with bipolar will attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.
These statistics are being acted upon by Bipolar UK as they have called for earlier diagnosis to provide effective and appropriate care.
“Huge numbers of people living with bipolar are losing their lives to suicide every year, or having their lives devastated by the trauma and consequences of an attempted suicide, and we are on a mission to reduce this within our community. Unfortunately, it currently takes on average nine and a half years to get a diagnosis after first telling a healthcare professional about symptoms, and the huge delay puts people living with undiagnosed bipolar at risk of suicide because they’re not getting life-saving treatment or support.”
Smiley News had the opportunity to ask Simon Kitchen what are Bipolar UK’s next steps to combat this relation.
"As a charity, it is our mission to support people with bipolar to get the treatment and support they need to live well. All our peer support services - our support groups, 1-1 support line, eCommunity and self-management courses - help people living with the condition to understand their symptoms, triggers and protective factors better to help prevent relapses. Preventing relapses means someone is less likely to experience a low mood when the risk of experiencing the symptom of suicidal thinking is higher.
"We have a free Mood Tracker app where someone can record their daily mood, medications, emotions and how much sleep they’ve had, allowing them to spot any early symptoms and hopefully prevent relapse.
"Another element of our campaign work is to push for quicker diagnosis. Currently, after someone sees a healthcare professional about their bipolar symptoms it takes an average of 9.5 years to get a diagnosis. In fact, it's estimated that 56% of people living with bipolar don't have a diagnosis. Research shows that living with undiagnosed bipolar increases the risk of suicidal thinking and attempts. Getting a quicker diagnosis means someone can get access to the correct treatment and support to lower the risk. "
To find out more about Bipolar UK’s suicide prevention resources, visit: https://www.bipolaruk.org/Blogs/suicide-prevention
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Bipolar UK. This charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar, offering a range of services, including information and advice, support groups, workplace training and remote support. Find out more.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). Since 2005, this charity works to help people end their misery, but not their lives. Find out more here.
PAPYRUS UK. This charity works to end and prevent suicide in young people across the UK. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health And Wellbeing, Partnerships For The Goals.
