A Bit About Papyrus
HOPELINE
HOPELINEUK is confidential support and practical advice for anyone:
< 35 years who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
Advisors want to work with you to understand why suicidal thoughts may be present. They provide a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life impacting on you or anyone else's safety and wellbeing.
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Open 9am-10pm!
5 Facts about Suicide
Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, and in the UK 7000 people take their life yearly.
Suicide is the most common cause of death for anyone under 35.
For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
Three-quarters of registered deaths in the UK, 2018 were among men, which has been the case since the mid-1990s.
Rates among the <25s have generally increased in recent years, particularly 10 to 24-year-old females.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
How I came to be involved with Papyrus
My history: I have experienced suicidal thoughts in myself and people around me, who need a helping and supportive hand.
Family history: My great grandmother was deeply involved in the community in her village and she used to help the families of those who have suffered a loss through suicide.
I just have an overwhelming need to help in anyway I can: I am passionate about supporting those who are feeling suicidal and those who want to be involved in the same initiative.
"Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better." – Unknown
“Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” Matt Haig
Suicide in the Dental Profession
Okay, let's be frank about this. Dentistry in a highly stressful and litigious profession, requiring copious amounts of self-care and support in order to survive the day, month and year. Burnout and psychological distress are serious concerns to the profession.
In a 2019 survey, of more than 2,000 UK dentists, almost a fifth (17.6%) admitted they had seriously thought about committing suicide. Of those who had said they had thought about suicide, 57.7% had thought about taking their own life in the last 12 months. I am unfortunate to have known a dentist who has died by suicide, and I strongly believe we need a supportive network. This is an eye-opener and a call to action.
https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2019.18
Mindninja- https://www.mindninja.org is an amazing initiative by the fabulous Dr Mahrukh Khwaja, focussing on wellbeing of the dental team.
Online Suicide Awareness Course
