Held on Thursday 10 September 2020, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness of suicide, and suicide prevention.
Across the world, every 40 seconds someone takes their life. For every suicide, an estimated 25 people make a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.
It is important to be aware of practical solutions that can support your own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around you. To mark the day, we have put together this blog to contribute to the conversation about suicide prevention.
How can you support your own wellbeing?
Samaritans has put together some useful suggestions for supporting your own wellbeing:
- Make time for yourself, relax and do things you enjoy
- Eat healthily; get plenty of sleep and exercise
- Spend time with people you love
- Talk about your problems with people you trust
How can you support the wellbeing of others?
- Make time to ask friends, family and colleagues how they are, and listen to the response.
- Watch and Share the short video from International Association of Suicide Prevention which explains how simple connections with others can contribute to suicide prevention.
- Read the advice from Mind to learn about how to support people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings and seek support. Samaritans runs a 24 hour helpline with trained staff who can listen and provide advice.
Everyone has a role in preventing suicide and supporting the wellbeing of others.
Asking someone if they’re suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to and know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life.
Samaritans
How can you support the day?
- You can share resources on social media using the hashtag #WSPD2020.
- Discover the social media toolkit from the International Association of Suicide Prevention, to support you in starting the conversation about suicide prevention.
- Learn more about how to spot the signs someone may be suicidal or how to support people with suicidal thoughts.