To help anyone currently struggling, the new series of videos features people talking about what helped them with self-harm and suicidal thoughts
To help anyone currently struggling, Samaritans have just launched a new series of videos featuring people with lived experience, and Samaritans volunteers, talking about what helped them in their own journeys - and in supporting others - with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
The first videos in this series are now available on Samaritans’ YouTube Channel – with more being released in the coming weeks.
Samaritans’ Online Excellence Programme is aiming to reach people searching for related topics online and share different perspectives about what might be helpful.
It’s been produced with the Online Excellence Programme’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, who provided valuable insight, ensuring they are relevant, sensitive and effective. The videos will be part of the YouTube Health Shelf, an initiative from the platform to prioritise results from reliable and trusted sources when searching for health-related information.
Andy, one of the video contributors, said: “Talking about my experiences of suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges isn’t easy, but it’s something I’ve become more comfortable doing in recent years. The most important thing is that it’s a really effective way to tackle the stigma, encourage help-seeking and normalise having these crucial – potentially life-saving – conversations. The reaction I get when I share my story is remarkable, with lots of people opening up saying they’ve gone through – or are currently experiencing - similar challenges. I hope these videos help anyone struggling, whether that’s giving hope, comforting them or reminding them they’re not alone.”
Similarly, Afeefa, another contributor, covered how online resources played an important role for her, explained: “My own experiences have shown me how vital it is to have access to supportive yet credible information. With so much available online, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate resources and find ones which you can trust, which is why I’m so glad to be able to contribute to creating accessible, relatable and hopefully helpful content. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, with its ups and downs; I’m grateful to be in a place in my journey where I can share my experiences to help others.”
In total, there will be 10 new videos, covering these topics:
- What are suicidal thoughts and why am I having them?
- Why is it important to talk about self-harm and suicidal feelings?
- How do I navigate the journey of coping with self-harm and suicidal feelings?
- How can I help myself cope when struggling with self-harm?
- What are the pros and cons of using social media when coping with self-harm and suicidal thoughts?
- How do I approach a conversation with someone who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts?
- How do I support someone who’s self-harming or having suicidal thoughts?
- What’s a safety plan and how can it support people with thoughts of self-harm?
- How do I navigate the journey of coping with self-harm and suicidal thoughts?
- How do I support someone who’s self-harming or having suicidal feelings?
Samaritans Online Excellence Programme aims to promote consistently high standards across the sector, reduce access to harmful self-harm and suicide content and promote opportunities for online support. The Programme consists of a research and insight programme, a hub of online safety resources, guidance for practitioners, the development of industry guidelines and an online harms advisory service.