World Suicide Prevention Day: The World Needs you

During our walk yesterday, we noticed these cute crochet pieces hanging on the branches of the trees by the sidewalks. They really pop out as they are very colourful and also very cute with their googly eyes and big smile. They have a little tag saying "Please Take Me x" along with some inspirational quotes and words of affirmations such as: you are worth it; the world needs you; and you matter. This is actually a joint initiative by the Samaritans and Guernsey MIND foundation in response to the Suicide Prevention Day, which was yesterday, 10th of September 2022. On the tag they also had their hotline numbers for people who may need someone to talk to or communicate with.

The Suicide Prevention Day was created back in 2003 as an awareness campaign to promote commitment and action to prevent suicides around the world. This was sphere-headed by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health.

There seems to be a lot of social stigma pertaining to suicide and most people would really rather avoid the topic rather than talk about it openly. Which should not be the case as it is a very big problem and only by talking about it can society combat it and resolve it. According to WHO statistics, there are 700,000 people who die every year because of suicide and even more so who attempts it. More so, it has been considered as the 4th leading cause of death for teenagers 15-19 years old. This makes it a very grave public health concern but it is actually very preventable through timely and evidenced base interventions.

First step in stopping suicide would be to identify the high risks groups. These are people who have: pre-existing mental health disorders, such as, alcoholism and depression; people undergoing life crisis may it be financial, relational, or chronic pain and illnesses. Furthermore, people experiencing abuse, violence, disaster, loss, and sense of isolation are also associated with suicidal thoughts. Suicide is also higher amongst minority groups that experiences discrimination.

Once we've identified these groups, WHO recommends that: we limit access to things that can be used as methods of suicide (fire arms, chemicals, etc.); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicides; and foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents. These are all good recommendations but to me, there are simpler ways to prevent suicides. And it doesn't have to be this grand. It could start by being a friend.

I feel like most of the times people fail to recognise the power of therapeutic communication and a listening ear. Most people who thinks of suicide feels hopeless and helpless and I think having an understanding friend will make a lot of difference for them. Talk to your friends, pay attention to their struggles. Help when you can. Encourage them. Let them know you are there for them. If you think they are really struggling and unreceptive to your support, then refer them to professionals.

So today, my lovely readers, please do me a favour will you? Check on a friend or a family member that you think is struggling and reach out to them. You might be the person that actually saves them. And if you need a friend, then please call a friend, or reach out to me. The world needs you.