PAPYRUS Newsletter

prevention of young suicidePAPYRUS

NEWSLETTER - papyrus 49:NEWSLETTER papyrus/34 6/4/13 03:14

CEO Report

Winter is ending and spring isin the air.

It has been a busy time here atPAPYRUS. Since our last newsletter wehave been able to speak directly to theMinister for Health about our ongoinginternet campaign as well as to the ChiefCoroner about the Standard of Proof usedby coroners to reach a suicide conclusionat inquest. We have also been inductingour new Area Representatives who willhelp us to reach out to local communitiesto raise awareness of PAPYRUS.

Also, we have been preparing to giveour website a makeover, bringing it morein line with social media and building onour engagement over the last few yearswith followers on Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn and other communicationchannels. Our new look will mean thatwe can interact with you, our members,on issues that are relevant to you in thepursuit of our aims to reduce suicidesamong young people. Keep an eye outfor the new site in the coming months.

Since the last edition, we have tried to

renew our contact with our members andsupporters, to renew our commitment andto update our subscriptions lists. I hopeyou are able to continue to support usand, if you are a member of PAPYRUS,I trust that we continue to speak in yourname when campaigning for changeand influencing others to do their bit toprevent young suicide.

The recent ONS publication of UKsuicide rates in 2011 suggests that thereis no room for us to be complacent aboutthe prevalence of young suicide in the UK.Further, it does not show the scale ofsuicidal behaviours that do not result indeath. By working in schools, collegesand community organisations this year,we continue to share a message thatyoung people deserve to be listened toand taken seriously, especially whenthey are having thoughts of suicide.

On our helpline, HOPELineUK, andthrough our text and email services weknow that many young people across theUK are battling with suicidal thoughtsand seeking help. For many parents,

Tel: 01925 572 444Fax: 01925 240 502email: [email protected]: www.papyrus-uk.org

Contact details

For support, practical advice andinformation concerning suicideprevention call the PAPYRUS helpline:

Welcome to the newsletter ofthe national charity PAPYRUS.

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide67 Bewsey StreetWarringtonCheshire WA2 7JQ.

Patrons:Rt Hon David Hanson MP,Rt Hon David Heathcoat-Amory,Simon Hughes MP.Honorary Advisor:Professor Mark Williams – University ofOxford.

PAPYRUSprevention of young suicide

This newsletter is availableonline atwww.papyrus-uk.org/NL/49Back copies of previous newslettersare also on the website.

Please note, the views expressed in thisnewsletter do not necessarily reflect those ofthe editorial team or of PAPYRUS as anorganisation. Any information contained inthis newsletter is intended for guidance onlyand is not a substitute for professionaladvice. No responsibility for loss occasionedas a result of any person acting or refrainingfrom acting because of what is written in thenewsletter can be accepted by the publisher,authors or the PAPYRUS Trustees.

Registered Charity Number 1070896.A Company Limited By GuaranteeNumber 3555482.

COVER:Young people in Kent talk about youngsuicide prevention with PAPYRUS.

2 PAPYRUS SPRING 2013

We are ALWAYS looking forpeople to get involved withPAPYRUS so if there's somethingyou'd like to do to help, pleasecontact PAPYRUS [email protected] on 01925 572 444.

Spring 2013 no.49

Dear Members and friends

HOPELineUK0800 068 41 41Or text or email us:

SMS: 07786 209697e-mail: [email protected]

● The Suicide Prevention Team hascontinued to reach out into ourcommunities to provide training andraising awareness in a variety of settings,including universities. We provided twoone-day workshops at London SouthBank University in suicide prevention, tohelp raise awareness amongst all staffgroups. At Warwick University, wepresented a workshop for students as partof their Mental Health Week and atOxford University, as part of their MindYour Head Campaign with StudentRun Self Help (SRSH), we were invited asa guest speaker to students and universitystaff. We also held a stall at theWellbeing Event at Edge HillUniversity, Ormskirk, which was wellattended by staff and helped to raise theprofile of the work of PAPYRUS.

● The team has also had contact withyoung people to raise awareness ofsuicide and emotional wellbeing ina number of schools and colleges,including Bromley College in Kentwhere a full day of workshops wasdelivered to a range of students. Anotherfull day of workshops took place atWarrington Collegiate, including aseries of follow-up sessions. Workshops

delivered for youngoffenders in Accrington,were tailored to focus ontheir particular needs.

● We were pleased toaccept an invitation bylocal radio station, RadioWarrington, to promoteand speak about ourwork and the services weprovide. We have workedwith organisationsincluding LancashireCRUSE in Blackburn todeliver awareness ofPAPYRUS to that charity’svolunteers, as well as howto effectively help someone who maybe at risk of suicide. An invitation tospeak at a meeting held by theUniversity Mental Health AdvisorsNetwork (UMHAN) provided anexcellent opportunity to raise awarenessof our services, training packages andhow these can be used to benefitstudents.

Our ASIST courses continue togrow from strength to strength. Oneworkshop was held in conjunctionwith MIND Cymru to staff from MIND.

PAPYRUS IN TOut&about

t


ContentsAntenatal depression: the risk

Suicide verdicts: pressing for change

Help for Dyslexic young

The impact of homelessness

Are veterans more at risk?

5

6

8

9

10

PAPYRUS SPRING 2013 3

family members and friends who worryabout vulnerable young people, there isan enduring sense of responsibilityand concern.

We have produced two new short filmssince our last newsletter. Each lasts ‘give ortake’ one minute. One, asks viewers tosupport us with a donation to help to saveyoung lives. The other, Thinking of EndingIt All?, promotes help-seeking and directsviewers to our helpline services. I hopeyou can help us to share these throughsocial media and get more people toknow about PAPYRUS.

I look forward to seeing you at ourannual Conference on 29 June 2013in Manchester. Details are on ourwebsite.

Meantime, thank you for yourongoing interest in and support forPAPYRUS. It really does make thedifference.

Warmest wishesGED FLYNNChief Executive

N THE COMMUNITY

This morning has been one of manymornings since his suicide attempt threeweeks ago. During that time you’vemanaged to get him to the GP and he isnow waiting for some support fromCAMHS. But whilst waiting for CAMHSyou’re wondering, what can I do for him?What should I say? Should I be checking onhim 24/7? Should I let him out of thehouse, and the ultimate question, what ifmy son attempts to take his life again, andthis time… he dies?

Our HOPELineUK service not only takescalls from young suicidal people, but alsofrom parents, friends, family, colleagues andpeople supporting or concerned about ayoung person they know. We know theanxiety you go through, the distress, thedespair and the difficulty ofhow hard it can be to see aloved one struggling withsuicidal thoughts. We canhelp you identify thepractical and emotionalsupport you can give yourloved one but we alsoknow that supporting avulnerable person canlargely impact on youremotional wellbeing aswell.

We strongly encourageyou to take time out foryourself. We understandthat this can be hard to do

when you are worrying about keepingsomeone else safe, but if you can’t lookafter your own mental health, you willbegin to struggle helping otherswith theirs.

Try to take time out when you knowthey are with a friend, or at a counsellingappointment: somewhere you know theyaren’t at risk. Use this time to distractyourself from the worries you have andremember what you used to have time for;an old hobby, spending time with friends tocatch up or watching your favourite soap ontelevision. Always be aware of the thingsyou do that you enjoy, that make you happyso you can allow yourself to switch off fromyour worries and take some timefor yourself.

Looking after a suicidal person is tough butwhat about looking afteryourself too?It’s another day and you anxiously wait for your son to comedownstairs from his room for breakfast, hoping he has made itthrough another night.

Your mental health is important too.

If you ever feel so low that you experience suicidal thoughts, youmust seek support for yourself – HOPELineUK is here for you tooand can advise you on where.

You can call HOPELineUK on 0800 068 4141, text us on 07786209 697 or email us at [email protected]

Our team of dedicated suicide prevention professionals canadvise, signpost or give you information for you and for any youngperson you are concerned about.

We’re open Monday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and 7 until10pm and at weekends and on Bank Holidays from 2 until 5pm.Outside of these hours you can leave us a message and we will callyou back when we re-open.

Do take time to look after yourself too.

We also provided another workshopin Warrington.

● We continue to attend meetings atthe Welsh Assembly GovernmentSuicide Prevention Advisory Group,the All Party Parliamentary Group(Suicide Prevention) at Westminster,Call to Action meetings for SuicidePrevention and represent our memberson the UK Government’s NationalAdvisory Group on SuicidePrevention.

Some of our members have recently beentrained as Area Reps (see website for details).



Often, when hearing aboutpregnancy and depression, thereader thinks of postnataldepression, but despite beingless well-known, antenataldepression – which occursduring a pregnancy – can havemore detrimental effects on amother’s mental health thanpostnatal depression whichaffects a mother after the birth.

When a woman finds out she ispregnant, the last emotions she wouldexpect to feel are those of depression,anxiety or suicidiality, howeverantenatal depression is now affectingone in ten pregnant women.Symptoms reported include:

● No appetite/over eating● Tired but unable to sleep● Feeling lonely and isolated● Lack of motivation and interest● Obsessional thoughts and

behaviours● Excessive crying

These symptoms are purely anexample, as everyone is different andwhat one woman may experience asantenatal depression may be differentto another. The main symptom to beaware of is feeling different withinoneself: to notice if there are struggleswith certain activities or situations thatwere no problem before, or lack ofmotivation, which had not occurredbefore. If you are struggling with yourday-to-day routine where you wouldn’thave done so previously, then this is achange for you and one that you needto seek help with.

Causes of Antenatal depression

Depression during pregnancy affects20% of women, yet many women arereluctant to open upto others due tofeeling pressuredto maintain ahappy and upbeat

mood. Often the confusion of notknowing why they feel so low, con-tributes to the secrecy of keeping lowfeelings to themselves.The causes of ante-natal depressionare different for everyone. They caninclude:

● Chemical or hormonalimbalance due to pregnancy

● Worries of losing the baby,possibly due to a history ofmiscarriage or stillbirth

● Worrying about arelationship, work or money

● A history of depression oranxiety-related problems

● Concerns over your bodychanging shape or weight

● Uncertainty around the future● Unplanned or unexpected

pregnancy

The most important thing is torecognise how you are feeling andto ask for help from those who cansupport you.

Antenatal and PostnatalDepression

After the birth, a sudden drop inhormones, combined with lookingafter a new baby, can cause thedepression to continue in the form ofPostnatal Depression. A survey byNetMums and The Royal College ofMidwives (RCM) identified that 80% ofthose who experienced antenataldepression went on to have postnataldepression. Facing a number of new

challenges whendepressed canmake it difficult tofocus, and havinga small child

dependent on your supportcan make this even harder.It is not uncommon forfeelings of depression todevelop into thoughts of

suicide and/or self-harm.

Antenatal Depression andSuicide

NetMums and RCM’s survey worryinglyidentified that mums felt their mentalillness affected the relationship theyhad with their baby, and thatdepression appeared to have a positivecorrelation with the number of childrenthe mothers went on to have.

Antenatal and prenatal depressionare becoming more common. If you’repregnant and feeling lower than usual,feeling less motivated to do theactivities you enjoy or feeling differentin general, try not to keep it toyourself. NetMums and RCM’sresearch showed 74% of thosesurveyed stated that it took a fewweeks or more before realising therewas an issue. Speaking to yourmidwife can often help.

If you have any doubts, speak toyour midwife or GP for advice orcontact the PAPYRUS helpline,HOPELineUK on 0800 068 4141.The earlier depression can be identified,the sooner support can be provided.Try not to keep troubles to yourself orstruggle with on your own, help isavailable.

Resources:http://depression-in-pregnancy.org/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20265786http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/jan/29/healthandwellbeing.mentalhealth

‘Depression during

pregnancy affects

20% of women’

‘80% who experienced

antenatal depression had

postnatal depression’

‘Important to recognise

how you feel and ask

for help’

Livingthroughantenataldepression



MediaManaging media at anInquest

Recent experience of some members promptsme to focus on media at inquests.

Journalists have the right to attend aninquest and press reports may appear. Whetherthey report on it or not is up to them.Newspapers and magazines must abide bythe Editor’s Code of Practice, which sets outguidance on suicide reporting and is monitoredby the Press Complaints Commission.

Reports that are accurate and fair areunlikely to be actionable. However,interpretation of what the Editor’s Code rulesas ‘excessive’ reporting can be far removedfrom what PAPYRUS believes is necessary toprevent suicides. We have in the past maderepresentation to remove the word ‘excessive’and continue to press our case.

The contents of suicide notes and personalletters are not usually read out at an inquest;unless the coroner decides it is important todo so, in which case they may be reported.You can always request that the journalistdoes not include the content: that you feel itis an intrusion of grief.

Prior to an inquest it is a good idea toprepare a statement that can be given to ajournalist, thus avoiding direct comment andaiding accuracy. A prepared statement alsoprovides the opportunity to add a note thatyou request that suicide method should notbe included in any report to avoid copycatoccurrences. For the same reason the locationof a suicide should be omitted to avoid ‘hotspots’. Do also ask that our helplineHOPELineUK telephone, text and email detailsare included as a source of help.

The rise in numbers of news agencies andfreelance journalists looking for stories as acommercial business opportunity has seenincreasing numbers attending inquests. Theycan be aggressively determined. One of ourmembers opened the door to a speculativecontract-bearing journalist the day followingthe inquest and received a further threewithin the week.

An agency journalist will apply pressurefor a contractual ‘exclusive’ story, which canbe despatched to worldwide media withinminutes, with potential for the familyinvolved to lose control. Photographsinnocently supplied can end up undercopyright of the agency.

Most journalists are sensitive and fair, butoften under pressure ‘to get a good story’. Ifyou are approached by a journalist – at anytime – you should not feel under pressure. It isnot a royal command.

PAPYRUS can help with media statements andconcerns over media reporting.Contact Rosemary Vaux on 020 8943 5343 oremail [email protected]

It is a requirement for theCoroner to deliver a verdictin determining the causeof death and in doing soall the verdicts have to beestablished to the testwithin the balance ofprobabilities, except forsuicide and unlawful killing,which have to be provenbeyond reasonable doubt.

PAPYRUS deems the currentstandard of proof (beyondreasonable doubt) to be no longernecessary; it reflects a time whensuicide was an unlawful act in thesame way that unlawful killingremains an unlawful act. Webelieve the balance of probabilityto be a fairer test and reflects thechanges made in the Suicide Act of1961 which decriminalised the actof suicide.

The requirement that thestandard of proof should be beyondreasonable doubt is both unnecessaryand unreasonable and perpetuatesthe stigma around suicide.

Whilst we acknowledge that,in some cases, parents and familiesdesire a verdict other than suicide,PAPYRUS believes that thereluctance of some Coroners toname suicide as the cause ofdeath, preferring to use narrativeverdicts, helps to maintain stigma.

In addition, maintaining the highlevel of proof distorts the figures ofthose who have taken their own lifeand hides what we consider to be

a national scandal that so many,particularly young people, die eachyear by their own hand.

We have presented our viewsto the Chief Coroner and will bepressing for this change to beadopted in the revision of theCoroners and Justice Act 2009.

Background

The Coroners’ system originatedin medieval England and since thesystem was established a Coronerhas been appointed to investigateand determine the cause of deathfor those who die within theirjurisdiction.

One of our primary campaignaims at PAPYRUS is to reduce thestigma that still surrounds suicide,since we believe that addressingstigma will encourage more opendiscussion and enable thoseyoung people who are troubledto seek help and support fromorganisations such as ourselves.

PAPYRUS believes that Coroners

Standard of

‘We believe it tobe unacceptableand unnecessary

to continue to treatacts of suicide as

unlawful’

‘The requirement that the standard ofproof should be beyond reasonable doubtis both unnecessary and unreasonable and

perpetuates the stigma around suicide’

PAPYRUS has launched acampaign to change theway in which Coroners reacha verdict in cases of suicide.

Stephen Habgood, PAPYRUS Chairman

Photo by Fabio de Paola.



Recent reports on the inquestinto the death of the 16 year-oldson of a PAPYRUS member haveagain highlighted the potentialfor psychiatric side-effects ofisotretinoin treatment.

The coroner stated that “an acnedrug may be linked to suicide” and thathe would be writing to the MHRArequesting it to implement more rigorousguidelines on the use of isotretinoin withtighter psychiatric screening of patients.

The inquest was told that there wasno scientifically proven link between thedrug and suicide, and that isotretinoinpatients reporting suicidal tendencieswas rare at less than one in 10,000.

PAPYRUS has monitored researchinto this issue for several years.

In 2012 we read the results of aSwedish study which assessed the risk ofattempted suicide before, during andafter treatment with the drug. Thisconcluded that an increased risk ofattempted suicide was apparent up tosix months after the end of treatment.The researchers recommended close

monitoring of patients for suicidalbehaviour up to a year after treatmentended. They did, however, point outthat the risk of attempted suicide maybe rising before treatment, because ofthe acne, so an additional risk due to theisotretinoin treatment cannot be firmlyestablished.

There had been similar publicityfollowing the suicide of a 20 year-oldman in 2007. At that time aspokesperson for the MHRA stated “thesafety of isotretinoin remains under closescrutiny. Most recently, in 2005, anExpert Working Group met to considerall data relating to psychiatric reactions.”

The list of possible side-effects in thePatient Information Leaflet issued withisotretinoin preparations includes ‘rarely,mood changes (depression, aggressivebehaviour, anxiety) and, very rarely,psychosis and suicidal ideation’.

Hopefully this latest report ofanother suicide will serve to encouragepatients, parents and carers to report anyconcerns to their GP and will againhighlight the need for increasingvigilance for up to 12 months after theend of treatment.

are responsible for perpetuatingstigma that surrounds suicidebecause of the standard they applyin cases of suspected suicide andtheir reluctance to deliver a suicideverdict, despite clear evidence whena person takes his or herown life.

Words count

Despite changes in religiousattitudes and the law, it can beseen that in reaching a verdict theCoroner applies the same test forsuicide and unlawful killing,reflecting an age when suicidewas unlawful.

We believe it to be unacceptableand unnecessary to continue to treatacts of suicide as unlawful.

Our members find the use ofthe term committed suicide to beunacceptable since is implies theperson they have lost to suicide hascommitted an illegal act when infact they were seriously ill with adiagnosed or undiagnosed mentalillness, or were sufficiently troubledto decide to end their own life. (Thepreferred term is completed suicide.)

Accurate data is important inour understanding of the rate,method and causes, particularlyof young deaths. The Office forNational Statistics uses data fromCoroners' Inquests. The applicationby Coroners of such a high standardof proof and their reluctance orunwillingness to deliver a suicideverdict is also unhelpful in gatheringaccurate data around suicides. Inaddition, the growing preferencefor narrative verdicts can lead tounder reporting of suicide, canreinforce stigma, and leave a familyin denial. This is particularly the casefor children under the age of 15years. Therefore we believe the datato be seriously flawed.

The application of the civilstandard will provide us with moreaccurate information around thosewho choose to take their own lifeand the statistics of those whocomplete suicide are likely to risesignificantly, reflecting the trueextent of suicide in our society.

proof

Worries about suicide and acne treatment

PAPYRUS member Lorraine Hale, mother of 16 year old Robbie mentioned inthe article above, firmly believes that side-effects of medication for acne weredetrimental to the mental wellbeing of her son.

A popular teenager, Robbie took his own life in January 2011, having beenprescribed with isotretinoin (Roaccutane) treatment for acne in April 2010.

“Robbie was a kind, gorgeous, confident, caring, funny and intelligentyoung man – a true gent,” said Lorraine. “He had not been embarrassed orteased about his acne but had sought treatment when it became uncomfortableon his back.”

“We had been advised of the side-effects when the medication wasprescribed but I was not concerned because Robbie had such a happy, positivedemeanour.”

After the medication he had anger issues that were totally out of character.“His personality changed: not instantly but he started losing his confidencesaying that all his mates were leaving him out. He became angry and reallyaggressive, arguing frequently with his sister. When I told his GP he was havinganger issues, it was dismissed as hormonal.”

“Robbie’s suicide cannot be totally attributed to this drug, but I am in no doubtthat it contributed to his despondency. At the Inquest into Robbie’s death theCoroner recorded an Open Verdict as he could not rule out the possibility that thedrug contributed to Robbie’s death. I am confident that if Robbie had not takenthe medication he would still be with me today. The Coroner has written to theMHRA to report his concerns re the risks associated with this drug and themonitoring of patients during and after taking this medication. They have 56 daysto respond to the course of action they will take.”

CASE HISTORY

Concernsabout acnemedication



“Dyslexia – a challenge to learning, a challenge to life”

Are young people with dyslexia at greater risk of suicide?Everyday, school children are learningsomething new. They attend five to sixdifferent subjects a day, where theymust adapt and accommodate newinformation. They face pressures to achieve,meet expectations of their teachers andparents, and in addition to this, they mayhave an undiagnosed learning disability,such as dyslexia. If dyslexia continues togo unnoticed, the young person may beginto doubt themselves academically, affectingtheir self-confidence and self-esteem. Theirwork may begin to deteriorate resulting inteachers or parents to suggest they “tryharder”. Perhaps their classmates pick upon their latest low coursework/homeworkmarks and tease or bully them about it.A combination of the young person’sworries from society’s reaction may causethem to not want to attend school,resulting in detentions and furtherdiscipline. Gradually the young personcould become miserable and may havethoughts of suicide.

What is Dyslexia?Dyslexia is a common learning difficultythat mainly affects the skills involvedwhen reading and spelling words. Acommon concern or myth for sufferers ofdyslexia, is a feeling of low intelligence,when in fact, dyslexia is usually anunexpected difficulty affecting anintelligent child. It has also been knownto affect numerical skills. Dyslexia is aspectrum disorder, that is to say itssymptoms can range from mild to severe,which can explain why some sufferersare not diagnosed until adulthood, andothers in their early school years.

How common is dyslexia?It is estimated 4-8% of school childrenhave some level of dyslexia.

How do I know if I havedyslexia?Dyslexia is usually noticed by a teacher ora parent who may notice the signs inyour class or homework. However if youthink you may have dyslexia and it hasnot been mentioned previously, it’simportant you ask your teacher if youcan be assessed

Symptoms of dyslexia include:● Slow writing/reading speed – letters

can appear to move around, blur andcross over each other.

● Problems recognising/understanding

new words e.g. technical termsin science

● Problems with spelling● Problems with expressing and

structuring essays

What can I do to get help?Despite there being no ‘cure’ for dyslexia,a range of educational programmes andinterventions has been proven effective inimproving reading and writing skills inmany affected children. Around 95% ofthose respond well to these interventionsand go on to make moderate to goodprogress with regards to their readingand writing. The remaining 5% maycontinue to find reading and writingdifficult and require more intensive supportand long-term assistance. Dyslexia is besttreated as early as possible to support thechild’s needs and requirements.

Dyslexia and suicideResearch suggests that young peoplesuffering from dyslexia are ten timesas likely to have suicidal thoughts. Thepressure to meet expectations of society,or keep up with their friends’ grades cancause great distress. Dyslexia is identifiedas being the most common childhoodloss of self-esteem, which can lead togreat misery and in some cases, suicidalthoughts.

Rutter and Maughan (2005) observedand assessed a group of children withdyslexia as they grew into adulthood andidentified higher rates of anxiety thannormal and reported episodes of lowmood and suicidal thoughts. The earliera diagnosis can be made, the better,to avoid the distress and loss of selfconfidence and self esteem. Those whosuffer with dyslexia are often highlytalented in everything other than readingand spelling. The support they receivethroughout education can enable themto become successful in the arts,commerce or engineering and thisencouragement of success from anearly age can help reduce loss ofself-esteem, or avoid it(Dyslexia.org.uk).

Suicidal ideation can berecognised from behaviouralchanges such as:● Changes in sleeping pattern● Changes in appetite● Becoming withdrawn or more

sociable than before● Substance misuse● Loss of interest in usual activities● Loss of energyVerbal indicators can also benoticed, and should always beclarified as to what the youngperson means, for example:● I can’t go on● It’s all getting too much● I want everything to stop● I just want to get away from

everything● I don’t see the point of anything

anymore.

I have first-hand experience of thepreconceptions and barriers facingsomeone managing undiagnoseddyslexia through much of theirschool career.

During my earlier school years, lowgrades and difficulties mastering basicliteracy and numeracy skills werebrushed off as ‘lack of effort’ or ‘ability’by teaching staff. The absence of anearly diagnosis also meant I was notprovided with the necessary support andtuition required to overcome my specificlearning needs and reach my academicmilestones.

This lack of support combined withthe usual institutional and peer pressurefacing a young person in an educationalsetting, negatively impacted on myself-esteem and resulted in my gradualdisengagement from secondary school.Only with my eventual diagnosis at theage of nineteen, whilst attending uni-versity, was I fully able to understandthe source of my difficulties and receivethe necessary specialist support toenable me to reach my potential.

A young person’s view …

References:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyslexia/Pages/Symptoms.aspxhttp://www.dyslexia.org.ukMichael Rutter, M., and Maughan, B (2005).Dyslexia: 1965–2005. Behavioural and CognitivePsychotherapy, 33, 389-402.

‘Research suggests thatyoung people sufferingfrom dyslexia are tentimes as likely to have

suicidal thoughts’



A person is commonlydefined as homeless if theydo not have access to apermanent or secure form ofaccommodation. Accordingto a recent study carried outby the housing supportcharity Shelter, experiencesof homelessness andpoor housing have beendemonstrated to contributeto increased risk of suicideand suicidal behaviour.

The Shelter study furtherhighlighted how the above link isparticularly pronounced in relationto groups with additional care andsupport needs, who are particularat risk of suicide when madehomeless. The associated riskbetween homelessness andvulnerability to suicide was furtherechoed by research carried outby the Salvation Army, whichhighlighted how 36% of homelessrespondents to a national surveyreported that they had attemptedto take their own life at least once.

Chris Holmes, the nationaldirector of Shelter, summarisedthe findings of the research andpointed to how; “Extremelyvulnerable people are often lefthomeless or in unsuitableaccommodation, which wreakshavoc with their emotional andphysical wellbeing.” He highlightedhow a lack of secure accommoda-tion often also “acts as a barrier toproviding help and support to thoseat risk of taking their own lives”.

However, evidence for a strongcorrelation between experiences ofhomelessness and an increased riskof suicide is far from conclusive,

as the relationship alsoinvolves a complexinterplay of additional riskfactors and pre-existingvulnerabilities. As a reportfrom the Joseph RowntreeFoundation recentlyhighlighted; ‘homelessnessis not just a housing issue,but something that isinextricably linked withcomplex and chaotic lifeexperiences’.

One such example ofthis is the complex interplaybetween homelessness and mentalhealth related issues, which can beconsidered to be both a cause anda consequence of not having asecure form of accommodation.McDonagh et al (2011) found thatnearly half of respondents to anationwide survey reportedexperiences of institutional care,substance misuse, and trauma aswell as homelessness. Indeed, itis commonly accepted amongstacademics that there is oftena strong overlap betweenhomelessness and other supportneeds, which are commonlyestablished in their own rightto presuppose an increasedvulnerability to suicide. Theexperience of becominghomeless can often compoundthese pre-existing vulnerabilities/riskfactors thereby leading someone totake their own life.

Another crucial risk factor toconsider is the barrier that beinghomeless represents to accessingservices and support. A report bythe national support charity Crisis,pointed to how homelessness andbad housing often cut people off

from family, friends, GPs and socialservices, which often represent vitallifelines to those in crisis. Thesefindings were further bolsteredby an American study that foundthat 73% of those who hadexperienced homelessness for aperiod longer than 6 months hadconsidered suicide, compared with55% of those who were homelessfor less than 6 months.

Homelessnessand suicide

References:Mc Donagh, T (2011) ‘Tackling Homelessness and Exclusion: Understanding complex lives’ London: Joseph RowntreeFoundationRita Diaz (2005) Young People and Homelessness; A Fact Sheet London: ShelterRees S (2009) Mental ill Health in the Adult Single Homeless Population, London: CrisisSalvation Army (2009) ‘The Seeds of Exclusion 2009’ http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf/0/58A56A802FEAE3EC802575E5004A2FED/$file/The%20Seeds% 20of%20Exclusion%202009.pdfHomeless Link (2011) ‘Survey of Needs and Provision 2011’ http://homeless.org.uk/snap-2011Homeless Link (2010) ‘The Health and Wellbeing of People Who Are Homeless: Evidence from a National Audit –Interim Report’ http://www.homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/Interim%20report_HomelessHealthAudit0910.pdf

What can be done?There has been a recent campaign by Crisis forboth more flexible services and more targetedinterventions in order to better meet the needsof homeless populations. The organisationhas also called for reform of mainstreamhealthcare services, such as GP surgeries, toremove barriers which homeless people oftenface in accessing services. This includes makingit easier to register without a permanentaddress and providing more out-of-hours anddrop-in services. These changes could also beapplied to more specialised services such asmental health and substance misuse teams, inorder to help remove obstacles to accessingsupport and treatment.



Once discharged, many ex-militarypersonnel face enormouschallenges, both in coming toterms with their experiencesof combat and managing thedifficult transition into civilianlife. Many veterans face a difficultadjustment back in the UK, oftencompounded by physical injury orpsychological trauma. The loss oftheir social network, a regularwage, respect, and the difficultiesof finding employment in afluctuating job market, all addto the stress facing returningmilitary personnel.

A sizable proportion of ex-servicemen and women also struggle with thepsychological fall out of losing friends andwitnessing harrowing acts of violencewhilst serving in war torn areas. Thecharity Combat Stress, which supportsex-military personnel affected bypost-traumatic stress disorder and othermental health issues, has reported a 52%increase in referrals since 2005. Thecharity currently supports nearly fivethousand ex-military personnel, themajority of which (75%) suffer from

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)while others have depression, alcoholand/or drug abuse, anxiety and phobicdisorders.

Psychologists refer to a ‘cycle ofdespair’ that characterises the struggle ofmany who leave the military. As MarkTownsend recently highlighted in anarticle published in the Observer newspa-per; ‘in a society submerged in statisticsthe incidence of broken marriages,suicides, alcoholism, deep depression andhomelessness among service veteransremains largely un-quantified’.

In terms of addressing the underlyingquestion of whether veterans are athigher risk of suicide, the evidenceremains largely inconclusive. As LouisAppleby, the National Director of MentalHealth in England, recently commented,not only is the issue of military suicidehard to measure; it is also ‘increasinglydifficult to talk about’.

Research by Kapur et al (2009)highlighted how the risk of suicide inmen aged 24 years or younger who hadleft the military was three times greaterthan that in the same age group in both

PAPY

RU

STr

ain

ing Our Suicide Prevention Team delivers training to parents, professionals,

organisations, and young people.

Our Suicide Awarenessinformation sessions are delivered ina sensitive and interactive manner.We focus on:● Looking at some of the

difficulties young people may befacing today

● Identifying the resources youngpeople have around themand encourage them to accessthese

● Helping young people becomeaware of PAPYRUS as a sourceof suicide prevention support

● De-stigmatising suicide

SuicideTALK is a seminar forwhole staff groups and/or groups ofparents/carers (2 hours) which● Looks to the benefit of speaking

safely and openly about suicide● Helps to remove the stigma

which can prevent help-seekingbehaviours

Applied Suicide InterventionSkills Training (ASIST) (2 days) atraining workshop for those withcontact with young peoplethroughout their working day which● Helps participants to identify

when a young person may be atrisk of suicide

● Provides caregivers with anevidence-based interventionmodel which keeps youngpeople safe

● Equips participants to feel moreready, willing and able to addressthe needs of someone at risk.

Our team can also meet therequirements of your organisationthrough our bespoke packages,

tailored to meet the needs of theparticipants, as well as raisingawareness of young suicide and theimpact this can have. We havedelivered training to:● Counsellors● Schools● University students● Telephone helpline organisations● Charitable organisations

We discuss the prevalence ofsuicide, what difficulties youngpeople face today and how we canhelp and support them.

Suicide is everybody’sbusiness.

To book training for yourorganisation, or for more details,contact: [email protected] call Alexis Elliott on01925 572 444.

Are veterans more at risk o



A relaxing smoke?Maybe not...

Researchers from King's College London, theUniversity of Southampton and the University ofBirmingham have found that abstaining fromsmoking can reduce anxiety.

The study followed 633 participants over aperiod of six months and measured their anxietylevels during this time. After six months, 491participants completed the study and the resultsshowed that the participants who abstained fromsmoking reported a reduction in anxiety, while thosewho relapsed experienced an increase in anxiety.

Furthermore, this finding was morepronounced among participants that smoked tocope with stress and had a psychiatric diagnosis.These results suggest that quitting smoking mayhave beneficial effects for both physical andmental health.

Reference: McDermott MS, Marteau TM,Hollands GJ, et al. Change in anxiety followingsuccessful and unsuccessful attempts at smokingcessation: cohort study. British Journal of Psychiatry.Published online January 2 2013.

CBT can be effective forantidepressant-resistantdepression

Researchers from University of Bristol, University ofExeter and several other academic institutions in theUK found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)in addition to antidepressant medication reducedthe symptoms of depression among people who didnot respond to medication alone.

The researchers recruited people withdepression whose symptoms did not improve aftersix months of antidepressant medication andallocated half of the group to receive CBT inaddition to medication. CBT is a well-establishedtalking therapy that works on the principle thatthere is a link between thinking and behaviour,whereby unhelpful or negative thoughts may leadto unhelpful, self-destructive behaviours. CBTfocuses on breaking the cycle between negativethoughts and behaviours by setting practical taskswhich challenge these beliefs. The study found thatthe participants who received CBT in addition toantidepressant medication reported a reduction indepressive symptoms over a 12-month period,compared to medication alone. These results showthat CBT is an effective treatment for depressionamong people who do not respond toantidepressant medication alone.

Reference: Wiles N, Thomas L, Abel A, et al.Cognitive behavioural therapy as an adjunct topharmacotherapy for primary care based patientswith treatment resistant depression: results of theCoBalT randomised controlled trial. Published onlineDecember 7 2012.

the male general population and inmen serving in the Armed Forces.Enhanced risk factors for suicidecited amongst ex-military personnelinclude being male, serving in theArmy, having a short length ofservice, and being of lower rank.

These findings were morebroadly echoed by Frances Hoy, aspokeswoman for the Royal BritishLegion, who described how herorganisation regularly receives ‘callsfrom anxious parents explainingthat their children are on the edge’.

So, what can be done not onlyto better support ex-militarypersonnel who make the transitionback into civilian life, but to alsoensure that the right services are

available to those individuals whomay be experiencing mental healthdifficulties? One way may be toremove the barriers that stand inthe way of ex-service personnelaccessing help. David Wilcox, fromthe South West Veterans MentalHealth Service, recently highlightedone major obstacle as the ‘big issueof stigma’ attached to mentalhealth issues. This is especiallyprevalent in the military, whichoften underlies the potentialreluctance of many veterans to askfor support. Research by CombatStress highlighted how 81 per centof veterans felt ashamed orembarrassed about discussing theirmental health issues.

Roving AmbassadorsThis week I met a journalist covering another story – nothing to dowith mental health. Realising his readers had relevance to our PAPYRUStarget audience, at the end of our discussion I asked if I could tell himabout the work of PAPYRUS and preventing young suicide.

Oh no! he said, not suicide and looked horrified. After a pause hesaid: “I am so worried about my son: my wife and I are at our wit’send.” We withdrew from the gathering to speak in private about howhe and his wife – and indeed his son – could be helped by ourHOPELineUK helpline team.

I find this is quite a common occurrence. We can all be rovingambassadors for PAPYRUS.Rosemary Vaux

References:Combat Stress Annual Review 2012http://www.combatstress.org.uk/media/56674/combat_stress_annual_review_2011-12.pdfKapur Mail, N, While, D, Blatchley, N, Bray, I, Harrison, K (2009)Suicide after Leaving the UK Armed Forces A Cohort Study PLoSMedical 6(3)Townsend, M ‘They're back from the front line - so why are theseex-soldiers still fighting their own wars?’ The Observer, 3.2 2008

of Suicide? Rese

arch

UPD

ATE



Q: My 14 year old daughter has beenvery withdrawn lately and has beenspending a lot of time in her room.She won’t speak to any of us and itis really unusual for her to be likethis, what should I do?

A: You are obviously concerned by yourdaughter’s sudden change in behaviour.Are you aware of anything that may havehappened to her recently – school strugglesor issues at home? Try to find a quiet time toask her how she feels and whether there isanything she wants to talk about. It can help

your daughter a lot to know that you’reconcerned about her and you’re therewhen she’s ready to talk. By trying tounderstand things from her point of view,she will know that you care. Your daughter’sschool may also have a counsellor availablethat she can speak to if she’s struggling. Ifyou think it might be serious, encourageyour daughter to go to the GP to talkabout how she’s been feeling. In themeantime, please call HOPELineUK on0800 068 41 41 if you are concerned thatyour daughter may be experiencing suicidalthoughts.

“Q: I lost my job a couple of weeks ago and now iteven seems to be a struggle to get out of bed inthe morning. I’ve stopped looking for work as Ijust don’t see a future any more. My friends havebeen trying to keep me involved in things but I’vebeen avoiding them. I don’t feel I’m the person Iused to be any more.

A: It sounds as though you are going through a difficult timeat the moment. The loss of your job has clearly had a bigimpact on your life and as a result it seems you’re finding itdifficult to keep yourself motivated. By making a plan for

each day and setting realistic goals that you want to achieve,you will begin to feel more motivated throughout the day. It’salso important that you put some time aside to do thingsthat you enjoy, like hobbies and socialising. It sounds asthough your friends are trying to keep you involved and wantto see you, so the next time that they ask you out – say yes!Your friends can help you to take your mind off things, butthey are also there for you to talk to when you’re struggling.You mention that you don’t see a future any more – pleasespeak to your GP if you are having thoughts of suicide or callHOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41 to talk about your feelings.You don’t have to cope on your own.

Q: I’m currently serving a three year prisonsentence for a repeat offence. Since beginningmy term a couple of months ago, my long termpartner has ended our relationship. Since thenI’ve been finding it tough holding myself togetherand coping with the pressures of being inside.More recently I have found myself getting intofights for no reason and putting myself in riskysituations. My moods have been up and downover the last few weeks and I’ve also beenexperiencing strong suicidal thoughts.

A: The breakdown of a long term relationship can be painful.

Managing these emotions within the stressful and restrictiveenvironment of a prison away from your friends and family,must understandably be hard. It’s important while you’reexperiencing suicidal thoughts that you keep yourself safe, byavoiding high risk situations and by making contact with yourprison’s mental health service, which will be able to provideyou with the support you need. Some prisons also runlistening projects, which are staffed by volunteer inmateswho provide a confidential support service for individualsencountering personal difficulties and experiencing thoughtsof suicide. We advise that you speak to a member of theprison staff team who will be able to talk through the optionsavailable in terms of support.

Q: I found myself really struggling in my last term atuniversity; a close friend of mine took his own life overthe Christmas period and I’ve found it incredibly hard tocome to terms with his death and manage the pressuresof completing my finals. As a result, I’ve been drinking alot more than usual and occasionally using drugs as ameans of escaping. I’m reluctant to talk to friends orfamily as I don’t think they’d fully understand thesituation and would probably just tell me to ‘get a grip’.

A: The loss of a close friend through suicide is a tragic and devastatingevent; the grieving process can be a very painful experience. It’sunderstandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Although alcohol anddrugs may offer a short-term escape, they can make you feel a lotworse in the long run and will not help to alleviate the underlyingsense of pain you’re currently experiencing.

We understand it can be tough sharing these painful thoughts andfeelings with those around you, but it can help to talk to the people inyour life who are also experiencing a similar sense of grief. Mutualsupport can help to reduce some of the intensity of the feelings bysharing your sense of loss. It might also be worth speaking to yourstudent support service, which will be able to refer you to the universitycounsellor as well as other support groups.“Frequently asked

questions duringa day in the life ofour HOPELineUK

team



Fundraising...● Tom Moran and Team hittheir 10k targetA 250km walk organised by Tom Moran ofthe Moran & Bewley Hotel Group anddubbed the Tomathon has helped raise asuperb £10k to help fund the servicesPAPYRUS runs across the UK.

Tom says ‘I feel the 'Tomathon' is apositive response to the devastating reality ofsuicide, an opportunity to get together withfriends and neighbours to do somethingcollectively to help continue their vital work.’

Employees in each of the Moran hotelsaround the UK also took part in theTomathon by setting up treadmills in the hotellobbies and walking step by step with Tom ashe completed his journey.Pictured above left, PAPYRUS Chief ExecutiveGed Flynn with Tom Moran, Tommy Moranand Tom Ward.

● A superb start to the New Year

We were thrilled to hear that PAPYRUS have been elected as a beneficiary

of HSBC’s Christmas Card 2012 donation scheme, which provided

a vital boost to help with the charity’s plans for the year ahead.

Please don’t forget Gift Aid … simply by Gift

Aiding your fundraising you are raising an additional

25p per £1.

● Following the success of her first fundraiser for PAPYRUS, Zoe hosted

her second ‘Punk Yourself Happy’ Gig night in Stafford in February.

‘Raising £700 is just the beginning for this event. It is so touching to

see so many people support the event which not only helps raise aware-

ness of the prevelance of young suicide but offers support to those who

may be worried about themselves or someone they know. People can be

affected by suicide in many ways and although it is a lot of hard work,

requiring huge dedication from myself and my awesome team, it is

always worth it to help others understand they have someone to turn to

if they’re feeling low; that it’s okay to not always feel okay. Hosting this

event means lives lost can be remembered and help others find hope

which is the biggest joy to be a part of. We will continue to rock it out,

just as those people would have wished."

Zoe Lawson

● Have trunk, will travel… with the help of BT colleaguesBT employees in Warrington have recently nominated PAPYRUS as one of their chosencharities and as part of their fundraising efforts have introduced a new member to their team.

Team leader Joyce Hammond says “I wanted to nominate PAPYRUS through the charityscheme at work as I thought this would be a brilliant way to raise awareness of a problem whichis so prevalent in the UK, and yet rarely talked about. We introduced PAPYRUS the Elephantto our team to encourage people to talk about the elephant in the room and knowwhat help is available if they or a young person they know may be feelingsuicidal.”

PAPYRUS the Elephant will travel with his BT colleagues throughoutthe UK on a mission to help others talk openly and safely about suicideand emotional wellbeing. He’s already been in to school, helped outwith a fundraising raffle and made friends with the lollipop man…Left, crossing the road in Ashton in Makerfield, and right, ‘at home’ inthe PAPYRUS office.

For all our events,please see our websitefor details of how youcan join in:www.papyrus-uk.org



● Sally Jenkins from Wigton has been busy hosting a range of

events in memory of her daughter Helen. Her recent tea party hostedwith the help of Helen’s friends turned out to be a particular success:

‘The support from friends and the local community meant that theevent was great. One of Helen’s friends, Emily, visited all the localbusinesses asking for donations for a raffle; we were astounded bytheir kindness and were sooninundated with prizes from adonated TV, gifts from gardencentres and hairdressers. We alsobenefited from the generosity ofa pub and hotel who donatedmeals and B&B vouchers. In theend we had so many prizes thatwe also held a tombola.’Sally Jenkins

● Francesca Seden organised a

Gig Night in Harrow● Jess Edwards organised a Band Night

in Towyn● Claire Burke did a sky dive● Shannon Devaney ran a fundraising

party in Berwick for the sky dive she willbe doing later this year

● Graeme Scragg and Ste Flynnorganised ‘Merry Hell’ folk/rock band gigs

● Jacqui Hanks organised a Ceilidh in

Alvechurch● Hazel Powell ran the Bath half

marathon● Kayleigh Smith organised a band

night in Prestatyn

FundraisingA Few Words from the Fundraising TeamTo all our supporters, members and those who share ourbelief that suicide is preventable, we would like to say aheartfelt thank you.

As a charity we rely almost entirely on the contributionswe receive from our supporters and we are so very gratefulto everyone who continues to help us in saving young lives.

We are planning a number of exciting new things for2013, from sponsored HOPEWalks up and down the countryto fantastic fundraisers for you and friends to get involvedwith at home. So if you’ve been inspired to take on a charity

challenge of your own at home, work or even overseas, wewould be delighted to hear from you.

Details of our new events will be available on our websitevery soon and, in the meantime, if you would like to registeran event you are already planning or perhaps would likesome ideas and advice on holding a fantastic fundraiser your-self, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Aanika and LauraEmail: [email protected]. 01925 572 444

country for getting 2013 off to fantastic start’They include ...

‘A huge thank you to our supporters up and down the

Good luck to all of you

training for or planning

a future fundraising

event to support

PAPYRUS. Do contact

our fundraising team

[email protected] for ideas,

publicity support, shirts

and collection boxes.

Above,NorthernbandMerry HellsupportPAPYRUS.



Please tick this box if you require a receipt.

Please return this form to: PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, 67 Bewsey Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7JQ.

When PAPYRUS Trustees discuss what the charity needs to do, we look to the experiences of ourmembers to help us. If you want to help young people to live with hope, you can give our worksome special meaning. Family, friends and professionals, please join PAPYRUS now.

Name

Address

Post code

Phone

Email

GIFT AID DECLARATION.

I want to treat this and all donations I maymake in the future, until I notify you otherwise,as GIFT AID DONATIONS.

Signed:

Date:

Please Note: Remember to notify us if you nolonger pay an amount of Income Tax/CapitalGain Tax equal to the tax we reclaim on yourdonation. This declaration can be cancelled atany time by notifying PAPYRUS.

I enclose £40 for annual membership.

I enclose a donation of £

Only one newsletter and information will be sent to an address, if youwant additional copies of mailings, please tick this box.

By filling in the Gift Aid declaration, we will be able to claimback from the Inland Revenue the income tax that has alreadybeen paid on any donation you may make.

Why not join us... Membership form

Are you planning an event? If you would

like it advertised in our website Future Events

section to help gather support, let us know at

[email protected]

23 years old, just home from a night outwhen I receive this phone message frommy friend. It took a minute for therealisation to hit that she meant suicide.My head was swimming but I had todo something.

I still think about that night. Iremember the calmness of theparamedics and I remember my walkhome alone that night but most of all Iremember the fear behind her eyes.

The ‘what if’s’ just don't bearthinking about and today, that friend isnow my wife. It's not been an easy road,sometimes things still get very dark butshe’s fighting the fight and has sharedher story to help others know they arenot alone and that help is at hand.

Suicide is still the leading cause ofdeath of young people in the UK. In

2011 alone, 286 people in Scotlandunder the age of 35 took their ownlives. That’s 286 too high and that iswhy, over 11 weeks this spring, I’mrunning a mile for each of them.

I’ll be raising awareness and vitalfunds to help PAPYRUS make sure thosewho face the darkest battles every dayhave the help and support often neededto find hope and stay safe.

The challenge will be testing,especially given my sweet tooth andlove of beer but I’m doing this for thethousands who feel like they areconstantly running uphill on their own.The money I raise will go towardsfunding HOPELineUK as well assupporting the charity to deliver suicideintervention training across the UK.

I’ll be blogging throughout these 11

weeks, raising asmuch money aspossible for PAPYRUS,which relies almostentirely on donations,but if nothing else I hopeby sharing this story I’ll help otherssee that everyone is running their ownrace and we can all play a part tosupport them.

To visit Simon’s blog or to show yoursupport, simply go tohttp://simon-barnett.blogspot.co.uk/

PAPYRUS supporter, Simon Barnett (pictured right) from Aberdeen setsout to run 286 miles… and here he shares his story with us

“Tell Mum and Dad I'm sorry, I'm just so tired”.

286 miles across Scotland for PAPYRUS

g...NEWSLETTER - papyrus 49:NEWSLETTER papyrus/34 6/4/13 03:18

PAPYRUS Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of PAPYRUS Newsletter