Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a day when organizations and concerned individuals come together in various ways to spread awareness that suicide can be prevented.
Did you know…?
Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds.Every life lost represents someone’s partner, child, parent, friend or colleague. For each suicide approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected. This amounts to 108 million people per year who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviour. Suicidal behaviour includes suicide, and also encompases suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. For every suicide, 25 people make a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.
Initiated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), World Suicide Prevention Day holds even more significance today. With majority of the world’s population experiencing emotions and stress levels the likes of which they haven’t encountered before, mental health is paramount.
What can you do to join World Suicide Prevention Day 2020?
For one, show your support on Twitter using the hashtag #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Twitter has reactivated the international yellow and orange suicide prevention ribbon emoji, again this year for World Suicide Prevention Day.
You can also Light a Candle near a Window at 8 PM to show your support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide. Find materials here.
Join IASP’s activity, Cycle Around the Globe. You can contribute any distance, wherever you are, and help raise awareness about suicide prevention. You can even do it at home!
Here’s a quick look at what IASP encourages you to do today (and even beyond).
Perhaps most importantly, reach out to your friends and family – especially if you know they’re struggling mentally and emotionally. AND if you are the one struggling, know that you are not alone. Reach out as well. People love you more than you know.
