The Long Sleep - by Kate Hill (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

'This book isn't just a guide; it's a lifeline' Shirley Ballas, head judge, Strictly Come Dancing, and ambassador for CALM and Suicide&Co

Worldwide, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, and numbers continue to increase. Many young people have experienced suicidal thoughts, self-harmed or attempted suicide. What makes someone particularly vulnerable? Why do proportionally more young men than women resort to suicide? What can be done to support people and prevent young deaths?

The Long Sleep explores the origins, symptoms and meanings of young peoples' suicidal crises and argues the need for sensitive responses and improved understanding if current rates are to be curbed. Combining moving accounts from relatives and young people who have attempted suicide with the evidence of extensive research into the subject, Kate Hill offers important and timely insights into an area fraught with fear and denial.

This classic self-help book has been fully revised and considers:
● Current perspectives around mental and physical healthcare development
● Social, environmental and personal factors that may be triggers
● How to listen to and support young people at risk
● Where and when to seek professional help and support

'[The Long Sleep] has incredible breadth and depth which offers real insights into the minds of those who are suicidal, together with practical guidance on supporting young people and challenging the myths around suicide' Professor Rory O'Connor, Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow, author of When It Is Darkest

From the Back Cover

'This book will make a significant contribution to improving our understanding of suicide among the young' Simon Armson, Samaritans

Worldwide, suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst young people, and numbers continue to increase. Many more young people have experienced suicidal thoughts, or have self-harmed or attempted suicide. What makes someone particularly vulnerable? Why do proportionally more young men than women resort to suicide? What can be done to support people and prevent young deaths?

The Long Sleep explores the origins, symptoms and meanings of young peoples' suicidal crises and argues the need for sensitive responses and improved understanding if current rates are to be curbed. Combining moving accounts from relatives and young attempters with the evidence of extensive research into the subject, Kate Hill offers important and timely insights into an area fraught with fear and denial.

This classic self-help book has been fully revised and considers:
- Myths around suicide
- Current perspectives around mental and physical healthcare development and support
- Social, environmental and personal factors that may be triggers
- How to listen to and support young people at risk
- Where and when to seek professional help

Kate Hill began this book after her brother's death, aged twenty. Her book inspired further research at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, where she had worked with the Centre for Suicide Research and the Samaritans. She also edited the SIBBS (Support in Bereavement for Brothers and Sisters) quarterly newsletter and contact network of The Compassionate Friends, and put together an information pack on bereavement from sudden death for the Samaritans. Kate Hill died of a haemorrhage, in an unexpected brain bleed, in 1994.

This revised edition was co-ordinated by Kate's sister, Anna Hill, with support from Dr Ailsa Snaith and Dr Andrew Parsons. Kate's work and the stories that she captured have been brought up to date to continue to have a positive impact on young lives today.

Review Quotes

A masterly exploration of one of the most important and pressing problems of our time

This book will make a significant contribution to improving our understanding of suicide among the young

This is a powerful and moving book. It skilfully weaves together young people's individual stories with the research evidence. There is something for everyone interested in youth suicide prevention in The Long Sleep. It has incredible breadth and depth which offers real insights into the mind of those who are suicidal, together with practical guidance on supporting young people, as well as challenging the myths around suicide. I highly recommend this book

The Long Sleep is a powerful and deeply moving exploration of mental health, tackling the tough realities that so many individuals face but often feel unable to discuss. Kate Hill's brave approach to the sensitive subject of mental illness, including suicide, challenges the taboo surrounding these critical issues. The book serves as an urgent reminder that by continuing to ignore these conversations, we miss the opportunity to truly understand the struggles many endure and, more importantly, to offer the support and empathy they desperately need. Though Kate is no longer with us to witness the impact of her work, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate with and provide solace to many readers--Bronagh Loughlin, journalist

The Long Sleep is an extremely impressive, valuable and moving book. It's really extraordinary how well the book pulls together the case studies and a huge range of research and wisdom. I am very glad to have it - sad to think how important it is that it should be read so widely, really by everyone. It is clearly a literal labour of love - and a family endeavour as well - and that warmth and care runs through it very clearly--Dr Xand van Tulleken, presenter, Horizon: Stopping Male Suicide

The Long Sleep offers vital advice and support for people struggling with suicidal thoughts and for their loved ones wanting to find ways to help. The use of the real life voices of survivors of suicide is humbling and inspirational, and there is an important focus on vulnerable groups. I was really chuffed to see the coverage of high-risk communities like people in prisons which has always been a community of people I feel passionate about trying to support--Jason Flemyng, actor, Samaritans supporter and host of More Than My Past podcast

Everything you have always wanted to know but may have never dared to ask is here with the young person's voice and experiences running like a golden thread through these pages. If, like me, you believe that suicide prevention is everyone's business, then this is everyone's guide--Angela Samata, ambassador for SOBS and presenter of the BBC's 'Life After Suicide'

For anyone interested in in understanding how a young person might get to the point of contemplating suicide, this book helps convey how death might hold an allure to some young people and how they may lack the coping skills to identify other solutions. Kate Hill's revised text sensitively explores, through case material and published research, how young people can come to feel very trapped. It dispels key myths about suicide, providing reassurance to young people and those around them and an improved grasp of the complexities of this issue.--Professor Alexandra Pitman, UCL Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London; Patron of the Support After Suicide Partnership

Having lost my brother to suicide, I know the heartache that comes when someone feels there's no way forward. The Long Sleep is a vital resource that can help people through those darkest moments. The beautiful butterfly on the cover symbolises transformation and community, capturing the essence of reaching out and knowing we're not alone. This book isn't just a guide; it's a lifeline--Shirley Ballas, head judge, Strictly Come Dancing, and ambassador for CALM and Suicide&Co

This book profoundly explores the most challenging aspects of being human: facing grief and transforming it into support for others. It provides an essential and compassionate resource for understanding and navigating the often unbearable pain of suicide and bereavement. Through the compelling personal accounts and practical guidance it offers, this book helps turn immense grief into a pathway for healing, ensuring that the suffering of those we've lost becomes a catalyst for deeper human connection and care. A truly moving and invaluable guide for anyone touched by loss--Dr Rachel Gibbons, chair of the working group on the impact of suicide on clinicians and vice chair of the psychotherapy faculty, the Royal College of Psychiatrists

This is a book that you need to read. Then we can all be part of the conversation on how we tackle the challenges of suicide prevention. If we include the benefits of outdoor activity in that conversation, I now feel I could contribute - thanks to this book. This book is the guide on where and how to start the conversations, no matter your area of interest or expertise--Professor Geraint Florida-James, School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University

About the Author

Kate Hill began this book after her brother's death, aged twenty. Her book inspired further research at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, where she had worked with the Centre for Suicide Research and the Samaritans. Kate Hill also edited the SIBBS (Support in Bereavement for Brothers and Sisters) quarterly newsletter and put together an information pack on bereavement from sudden death for the Samaritans. Kate Hill died unexpectedly of a brain bleed, in 1994.

This new edition of The Long Sleep is by Kate's sister, Anna Hill, with the support of Dr Ailsa Snaith and Dr Andrew Parsons. Kate's groundbreaking work and the stories she captured have been complemented with up-to-date insights to continue their positive impact on young lives today.