Every year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, promoting mental health, and encouraging action to prevent one of the leading causes of death globally is marked. Suicide takes approximately 700,000 lives annually, with many more individuals attempting suicide. The day, initiated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encourages a global conversation around mental health, the importance of early intervention, and the need for supportive communities.
The importance of suicide prevention
Suicide is a major public health challenge, and it affects individuals, families, and communities. While it is preventable, the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide creates challenges to seeking help.
Many factors can contribute to someone contemplating suicide, including mental health disorders (like depression or anxiety), financial stress, traumatic life events, relationship breakdowns, bullying, or chronic illness. In each case, the pain and struggles are difficult, but it’s important to recognise that with the right support and recovery plan, healing and managing the factors are possible.
The theme for 2024: “Changing the narrative on suicide”
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is changing the narrative on suicide, the main aim is to start the conversation and raise awareness about the importance of reducing the stigma around suicide. It’s important to encourage open conversation around the topic, along with emphasising the importance of taking steps to support those who are struggling.
Important ways that you could support someone can include:
- Reaching out to a friend: texting or calling or visiting them often. If you know someone who might be struggling, don’t wait for them to come to you. Offer a non-judgmental ear and remind them that you are there to support them.
- Creating a safe environment and raising awareness. Use social media to spread the word about World Suicide Prevention Day. Sharing personal stories, expert articles, or infographics on mental health can raise awareness in your circles.
- Sharing resources. Share information about local helplines, mental health services, and online support communities. Sometimes just knowing where to seek help is a crucial step.
- Join or create events that focus on mental health and suicide prevention. Many organisations host talks, walks, or webinars to bring people together and encourage community action.
Small steps that can be taken to help prevent suicide from organisations, community groups and friends/families:
- Open Conversations: Creating a safe space where people feel they can talk about their struggles without judgment. Listening without interruption or offering immediate solutions can be lifesaving.
- Know the warning signs: Common indicators include withdrawal from friends or family, expressing feelings of hopelessness, drastic mood changes, self-harm, or talking about death.
- Encourage professional help: Mental health professionals are trained to offer the right support and treatment. If someone is in distress, encourage them to seek therapy or contact a suicide prevention line.
- Build strong support networks: Family, friends, and community play a huge role in supporting people who are struggling. Offering emotional and social support can help people cope with their challenges.
- Education and awareness: Increasing public awareness of mental health issues and suicide is vital. Schools, workplaces, and media outlets can help by fostering a culture of mental health support and compassion.
Resources, support and events:
Access to immediate help can save lives. Having access to the right resources and events can also help to reduce chances of an individual leading to suicidal thoughts. Below are some useful resources, support and events available:
- Samaritans (116 123) offers free support for people in distress.
- Mind Charity
- NHS 111 – offers mental health support line
- Healthwatch Wandsworth Assembly, free event aimed at supporting the community and providing tools to help keep loneliness at bay. Taking place on 24th October 2024.
- Wandsworth specific mental health support line.
- The listening place – offers free face to face support across London, allowing individuals to talk openly about their feelings without being judged or given advice.
- Kooth – Online wellbeing community, allowing you access to free, safe and anonymous support.
- Volunteer Befriending Network – Volunteer to be a befriender, support others and create new relationships.
- Wandsworth government website has a list of useful resources, learn more here.
Preventing suicide is not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. Every person can play a part in helping those at risk. By raising awareness, breaking down stigmas, and creating a compassionate environment where people feel safe to seek help, we can work towards a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
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