With a month to go until the 2024 TCS London Marathon, Samaritans, the charity of the year, publishes new research revealing society’s attitudes towards suicidal thoughts in order to break down stigma
A new nationwide poll from Samaritans has revealed that nearly three-quarters (71%) of UK adults are unaware just how many people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.
In reality, as many as one in five (20%) people experience suicidal thoughts1, which is the equivalent of around 10,000 of the anticipated 50,000 participants who will take part in this year’s TCS London Marathon.
Samaritans’ new research shows that suicidal thoughts are also the topic that people felt the least comfortable talking about in comparison to other 'taboo’ subjects including sex, religion, and politics. While 74% of people are comfortable talking with family and friends about mental health and wellbeing, only 45% are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts, suggesting a stigma still exists around this specifically and discomfort in discussing it could be contributing to a lack of awareness and understanding of the issue.
The suicide prevention charity has published the results today as it ramps up its Believe in Tomorrow campaign that aims to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of suicide and what they can do to help prevent it. Samaritans is using its platform as the 2024 TCS London Marathon’s charity of the year to help raise awareness of the issue, especially with running or walking being the most popular way survey respondents said they manage their wellbeing (53%).
Dan, 32 from Merseyside knows how hard it can be to open up about struggling to cope but bottling up his emotions eventually left him at crisis point. Dan called Samaritans after trying to take his own life on his 26th birthday and credits the conversation with helping him on the path to recovery.
Dan said: “Mental health wasn’t necessarily something I spoke about or a topic on people’s radar. Especially as I’m a big lad, 6’2, and well-built with rugby league friends. I was worried about how others would react if I spoke about it. But I was in a rut, I would spend hours lying in my bed just thinking that I didn’t want to be here anymore. I contacted Samaritans after I tried to take my own life. Having someone to talk to was really comforting. I felt heard. I started to feel stronger and decided that life was for living.”
Now Dan is running the 2024 TCS London Marathon for Samaritans this April, to share his message of hope and raise awareness of the service that supported him through that dark time.
“I decided to share my story in the hope that it might normalise talking about these things and encourage someone to seek support. If I encourage one person, then it’s worth it. I’m now a shoulder to cry on among my mates and I couldn’t feel prouder of that.”
According to this new research, barriers to opening up about suicidal thoughts include the fear of worrying others (31%), being worried about making others feel uncomfortable (27%) and fear they won’t be understood (24%), highlighting the need for increased understanding and resources to help the public better support those who are struggling to cope.
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, said: “One in five of us will struggle with suicidal thoughts in our lifetime but many people face this struggle in silence. By highlighting how suicidal thoughts are more common than most of the public expect, we hope to break the stigma surrounding the subject that often prevents people from opening up.
“At Samaritans we know that talking about suicidal thoughts saves lives because people can get the vital support they need. We want to start a conversation and encourage everyone to join us on Marathon Day to support those around them to believe in tomorrow.”
Two thirds (66%) of respondents also said there are things that would make them more confident in starting a conversation with someone they are worried about, including tips on how to start a conversation (37%), knowing other sources of support (35%) and tips on learning how to listen (31%).
Samaritans’ Believe in Tomorrow campaign provides resources to support conversations around suicide including tips on listening, conversation starters as well as stories of hope and an upcoming campaign film. To find out more, please visit www.samaritans.org/tomorrow
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org
Ends
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 07943 809 162 to speak to a member of Samaritans Press Office.
The Opinium survey was conducted between 9-13th February 2024, with a nationally representative sample of 2,001 UK adults.
1 McManus S, Bebbington P, Jenkins R, Brugha T. (eds.) (2016). Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult psychiatric morbidity survey 2014
To make a donation to Dan’s Fundraising page visit - Samaritans: Hodge runs the 2024 TCS London Marathon (enthuse.com)
About Samaritans
- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and 23,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
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