Jersey Samaritans: Five things to improve mental health awareness in Jersey

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Express has been speaking to local charities and organisations about five things they believe could be changed to promote better understanding of mental illness in Jersey.

This year, the national week – which runs from Monday 12 – Sunday 18 May – is focused on the theme of community.

After we heard from charity My Voice yesterday, next up is Tarnia Snepp, branch director of Jersey Samaritans, a 24 hour national confidential helpline for people who are struggling. She shared her thoughts about attitudes towards mental health in the island and the existing support on offer…

1. Not just for a crisis

There is often the assumption that you must be suicidal before you ring Samaritans. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

All calls are extremely varied and range from callers who are experiencing relationship problems, financial issues, addictions, bereavement, and every problem you can imagine. Including callers who are in great distress and feeling there is nowhere to go.

All listening volunteers are highly trained and listen without judgement, opinions or giving advice and confidentially.

So please call, if you need to talk safely.

2. Improving facilities and funding

Jersey has high numbers of sufferers of poor mental health or mental illness. The changes I would like to see are improvements to the facilities available to them and others.

From safe spaces that groups of vulnerable people can meet and socialise easily, or engage with mental health professionals, to state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to all people who need this service.

I feel a dramatic increase of the mental health budget for more staffing and training would ensure that all people with poor mental health, or mental illnesses, had ready access when they need the help instead of sitting on a significant waiting list.

When a person is calling out for help, they need it immediately, not six months or more later.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask

I don’t want people be afraid to ask about suicide. Our vision at Samaritans is that fewer people die in that way. But sadly, many still do.

In my ideal world, everybody would feel comfortable in asking if their distressed relative, friend, or colleague was contemplating suicide. When you notice someone struggling it can be scary and overwhelming for both parties.

The sufferer may not want to verbalise how they are feeling, however, if asked the right questions, could well be relieved that it has been recognised how badly they are not coping.

I would like everyone to feel able to ask the question directly. It can be as simple as: “are you thinking about suicide?” or “have you had thoughts about suicide?”

It is a myth that the question would put the idea into someone’s mind.

It’s a genuine possibility that you could save that person’s life or open their eyes to the fact they may need additional support and help. By reaching out to the vulnerable person, you could be the missing link between them and the help they are most likely crying out for.

4. Active listening

I would love people to actively listen more. If someone wants to share something with you, turn off the TV and games consoles, sit down with them, and ideally make eye contact. If it’s easier, sit next to each other or go for a walk together.

Someone might say, “Yes, I heard you”, but did they really take on board what was said? Were you texting, was the TV on? Or did you offer your own opinion, or judge that person?

Give the speaker your undivided attention, be reassuring, and encourage them to talk with open questions.

We are all human and go through things, some good, some not so good, but allowing someone to explore their feelings and emotions by listening, could help in ways that could remove the weight from their mind and allow them to see a glimmer of hope for better days to come.

5. Acceptance in the workplace

A positive change would be for all workplaces to be accepting of their employees who may have poor mental health or mental illness.

UK studies have shown that people with mental health problems have been turned down for jobs, or have been unable to continue with their role due to alleged discrimination.

Whilst this is definitely not the case for all employers, this is an area which can cause potential employees stopping themselves looking for work because they are apprehensive about discrimination, or are reluctant to admit to stress, anxiety or depression as a reason for absence.

Understanding, support and acceptance at work would benefit everyone, but especially those who are particularly vulnerable.