Angus CouncilTel: 08452 777 778
Email: accessline@angus.gov.uk

Issued: 1 September 2010

Angus Marks Suicide Prevention Week

If you are feeling suicidal, don't hide it. Talk to someone you trust or phone a helpline. This is the message to people in Angus during Suicide Prevention Week, 6-13 September.

Freda Stewart is manager of the Health Improvement Team a partnership between, Angus Council Social Work and Health and NHS Tayside.

She says: "Everyone feels sad sometimes, or has a day when they feel a bit anxious or low," Freda explained. "That's pretty normal. But if these feelings never seem to go away, or if your mood is affecting your relationships or your studies, it's important to talk to someone you trust. Just sharing your feelings can help prevent a build up of everyday problems from becoming overwhelming, when you can feel like you don't want to go on. If you are having suicidal thoughts, don't hide it."

She added: "Talk to someone you trust. If you don't feel comfortable talking about your feelings with family and friends, there are other people who can offer you non-judgmental emotional support."

Free and confidential numbers for assistance are:

Or click on:

"If you are concerned that someone else is feeling suicidal, ask them," Freda urged. "Listen carefully to their response so you can arrange for further help if they need it. It could help to save their life."

Information stands will be available at a number of venues in Angus during Suicide Prevention Week:

Breathing Space's Richard Leckerman will be at Town and County Hall, Forfar, from 3-4pm on Wednesday 8 September, when members of the public are encouraged to drop in and hear about the support Breathing Space can offer.