World Suicide Prevention Day 2019
Every 40 seconds someone in the world dies due to suicide, this is shown otherwise as 800,000 people around the world ending their life with suicide, annually. In 2017, within the UK and Ireland alone, suicide was the cause of death for over 6,000 people. Each of these statistics show the pressing issue we have with suicide in the modern world, one organisation working on reducing these is the International Association for Suicide Prevention. With their 17th World Suicide Prevention Day, they’re aiming to once again bring people together to help solve this issue.
This year their focus is on teamwork, with the theme ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’, WSPD aims to raise awareness, encourage support and show how everyone can do their bit to help. The day brings together an incredible amount of support and highlights the many organisations and charities already working solidly for this cause.
The key message coming from this important day is the belief that anyone can be of value when helping someone in a vulnerable or suicidal position. As we go through life there are many different everyday struggles and tough periods which all can affect our well-being. It’s about being able to notice when these are really taking a toll on someone else or yourself, which has become the focus of many suicide prevention campaigns. Ask Twice is a campaign directed at young people facing this tricky situation with their peers and Papyrus have released a flyer to show the starting points for any conversation about someone’s well-being.
The workplace is where many of us spend a large proportion of our time, so can be the place in which these issues arise or their effects show. Because of this, many businesses are making efforts to place mental health as a priority within their values. Prevention begins with a better understanding of the illnesses and their early warning signs. Several organisations have also developed a selection of tools to help, The Prince’s Responsible Business Network discuses prevention for businesses of all sizes, showing how to focus on building a supportive community. Depression is now the third leading disease among adolescents and suicide the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. Due to this, online learning for employees has also been created by the Samaritans to discover ways to look after themselves and ways to reach out to colleagues if necessary.
We all must appreciate the importance of suicide prevention by understanding the simple steps we can all make to help those struggling and helping ourselves maintain healthy mental well-being. There are many different avenues people can head to and seek support and advice with any kind of personal distress.
Helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, for everyone, 24/7)
- CALM: 0800 585858 (free, for men, 5pm-midnight)
- PAPYRUS: 0800 968 4141 (free, for young people, 9am-10pm Mon-Fri, 2pm-10pm at the weekend)
NHS non-emergency:
- England/Scotland: 111
- Wales: 0845 4647
The Hub of Hope website can help you find support near you:
To find out more about World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2019 click here.
