McArthur backs 'Ask Them About Suicide' campaign on Time to Talk Day

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur, has backed SAMH's new suicide prevention campaign, Ask Them About Suicide, and is encouraging people in Orkney to help create a culture where people can talk openly and honestly about suicide and find support when they need it.

Figures produced by SAMH have revealed that 1 in 20 are thinking about suicide at any one time, while 1 in 4 will experience a mental health problem at some point in the year. Mr McArthur has pledged his support on Time To Talk Day which encourages everyone to make space in your day for a conversation about mental health. Established in 2014, Time To Talk Day is led by the charities See Me, SAMH and Mind who aim to reduce the stigma around discussing poor mental health.

Later today, Mr McArthur will chair a members business debate in the Scottish Parliament on male suicide in Scotland which will highlight the latest statistics showing that 75% of people who died from suicide in 2021 were men. Suicide by men is also more likely across all age groups, with recent increases amongst 25-34 and 65–84 year-olds.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"Unfortunately, no community is immune from the tragedy of suicide. In rural and island communities, however, the effect of someone taking their own life can be particularly profound and far-reaching.

"While recent statistics have shown a fall in suicides overall, it remains devastatingly high across the board. This is especially the case amongst men of all ages who we know are also less likely in rural communities to seek support with their mental health.

"On Time To Talk Day, I want to encourage everyone to make time to have conversations about our mental health and to learn how to approach suicidal feelings. SAMH's new campaign offers invaluable resources on suicide prevention which have importantly been shaped by lived experiences.

"At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is further exacerbating the considerable challenges for people's mental health, we cannot let up in our efforts to increase support while also ensuring on an individual level we take steps to support ourselves and those around us."