“Creating Hope through Action”
Over the last few years there has been a steady increase in the amount of people taking their own lives. World Suicide Prevention Day is aimed at breaking this cycle, spreading the message that it’s ok to talk, encouraging starting conversation and helping to show that recovery is possible.
Sadly, it is estimated that 703,000 people each year take their own lives around the world. It is also notable that male suicide is more prominent and approximately four times higher than the female population. Whether this is attempted suicide or serious thoughts of suicide. The impact of suicide has an affect on millions of people, whether they suffer intense grief through loosing someone to suicide or are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours. By raising awareness we can get people talking about suicide and aim to reduce the stigma around mental health.
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year on the 10th September it brings suicide awareness into focus, sending the message that suicide is preventable. “Creating hope through action” is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, which acts as a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide.
The stigma that surrounds mental health disorders and suicide leads to so many people being too afraid to ask for help. There is a lack of awareness about suicide and many societies still see it as a taboo subject, refusing to openly discuss it. With an increase in raising awareness, there is an increased likelihood of breaking down the barriers that exist.
By creating hope through action we can send a message to those that are struggling with mental health and having suicidal thoughts/feelings. This hope through action sends the message that there is hope, that we do care and that we want to help and support anyone suffering. No matter how big or small our individual actions are, even if we just ask the question “are you ok?”, it gives those that need a chance, an opportunity to talk.
We can all play a vital role in helping those that are struggling, those that are in crisis and those that have lost to suicide. Reach out to those that you know are suffering and share your experiences. You could be someone’s beacon of light.
World Health Organization (WHO) 2014 report
WHO published a report in 2014 titled “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”. This report aims to increase awareness of the significance to public health and strives to make suicide prevention a high priority on a global scale. With specific attention to promoting mental health and wellbeing as a key factor in suicide prevention.
The report advises that to take action, we need to:
- Raise awareness that suicide is preventable
- Improve education about mental health and wellbeing
- Spread information about suicide awareness
- Aim to decrease the stigma and taboo surrounding mental health and suicide
*Image sourced from the World Health Organization Website*
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves
That it is ok to not be ok. It is ok to ask for help. It can take only a few minutes to check in on that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, with just a quick “hey, are you ok?”, that could make a huge difference.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can treat depression and prevent suicidal thoughts. At Smart TMS we have treated many patients and successfully put a stop to suicidal thoughts and feelings. If you would like to know more, take a look at how we treat depression by clicking here.
Author, Nikki,
Smart TMS Birmingham Practitioner