World Suicide Prevention Day

This post deals with the topic of suicide, which some may find difficult. Please exercise discretion in reading further.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and ‘prevention’ really is a the heart of the day.

For the last 20 years, International Association for Suicide Prevention has been organising World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness around how society can as a whole work to bring an end to suicide.

While no one is responsible for another’s decision to take their life, the hope is that through greater education around what to look out for and by making changes to the support available to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, we can save lives.

As inividuals, the goal is to encourage people to spread awareness, to know the signs that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and being ready to engage with those who are struggling, supporting organisations working towards suicide prevention, and being prepared to share your own experiences.

They are also looking for:

• Workplaces to develop workplace suicide prevention strategies, encouraging employees to seek help and being ready to engage and provide support where there is a risk of suicide
• Media organistions to lead conversations around suicide in a responsible way and ensuring that their coverage carries stories of people coping and overcoming difficulties in their lives
• Policymakers to develop suicide prevention strategies for their areas of responsibility, ensuring that every aspect of society works to reduce the risk of people taking their own lives

Ultimately, where people are struggling, it is important that we all do what we can to see how they are doing and to provide what support we can. It may well save a life and even if there was no risk of suicide, it all still helps to make the world a better place.

Whatever you are going through, there are people who are happy to take your call on any day and at any time. Call the Samaritans now for free on 116 123.