NHS bosses ask the public for suicide risk vigilance

HEALTH chiefs have urged Lothians residents to look out for suicidal behaviour in their loved ones and colleagues.

In an attempt to cut the suicide rate, NHS Lothian wants people to help prevent an incident before it becomes a possibility. Although the trend of people killing themselves is downward, levels are still higher than the authorities would like, with 74 victims last year.

Now, as part of Suicide Prevention Week, which runs until September 11, an awareness campaign has been launched.

Linda Irvine, strategic programme manager for mental health at NHS Lothian, said: “It is important that if you have the slightest inclination that someone you know might be having thoughts of suicide, to ask them about it.

“Mentioning suicide isn’t going to put the thought in their head if it wasn’t there before. If it was, they’ll probably be relieved that you mentioned it.”