National Suicide Prevention Day: Raising Awareness, Offering Support, and Providing Hope

Imagine feeling you’re drowning, but as you look around you, you can see that everyone around you is breathing.

Every year on September 10th, National Suicide Prevention Day serves as a heart-breaking reminder of the global mental health crisis. It’s a day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support for those in need. By starting conversations, learning to recognise the signs, and knowing where to seek help, we can all play a vital role in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being.

The Importance of Raising Awareness

Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide every year – one every 40 seconds (According to the World Health Organisation). Think about it, if this amount of people commit suicide every year, imagine how many people attempt to take their life and how many silently suffer from suicidal thoughts. For sure suicide affects people from all walks of life, but it can often be prevented with timely intervention and support.

Despite it being 2024 and there is a lot more support available than in previous years/decades, there is still a lot of stigmas surrounding mental health issues. Unfortunately, this stigma in many cases prevents individuals from seeking the help the need. This is where National Suicide Prevention Day comes in as it focuses on breaking down these barriers by fostering open dialogue about mental health, encourage communities to recognise the signs and exhibiting how to provide support to those who are struggling.

Recognising the Signs

While it’s not always easy to detect when someone is considering suicide, there are warning signs that should never be ignored:

1. Verbal hints: Someone talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, feeling worthless or being a burden to others.
2. Behavioural changes: A sudden increase in reckless behaviour, withdrawal from friends and family, or giving away possessions. Unusual focus on death, dying or violence.
3. Emotional shifts: Increased irritability, extreme sadness, or sudden relief as if they’ve made a final decision.
4. Physical symptoms: Trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or noticeable fatigue.

If you notice any of these signs in a loved one or friend, it’s important to engage them in conversation, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional help.

What Can Be Done?

1. Start the Conversation

Let’s be real, it will feel very difficult to approach someone who you think is struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s very easy to overthink what the most appropriate thing is to say but to be honest it’s usually the most simplistic and compassionate conversation that makes a difference.  Please see these tips below on how to approach the conversation:

• Be direct, but gentle: Ask questions like “Are you feeling, okay?” or “Do you want to talk about what’s been going on?”

• Offer to listen: Sometimes, people just need to feel heard. Let them know you’re available to listen without judgment.

• Encourage professional help: Gently suggest speaking to a counsellor, doctor, or mental health professional.

2. Offer Emotional Support:

People who are suicidal often feel isolated and alone. Offering a strong support system can be lifesaving:

• Check in regularly: Make sure they know you care about their well-being.

• Be patient: Mental health issues are complex, and healing takes time.

• Avoid offering quick fixes: Phrases like “just cheer up” or “think positively” can minimize their feelings. Instead, offer your support and let them know they don’t have to go through this alone.

3. Know Who to Contact

Encourage anyone struggling to reach out to mental health professionals, hotlines, or support groups. In urgent cases, national suicide prevention hotlines offer immediate help:

 Contact Samaritans at 116 123

4. Learn About Mental Health Resources

There are many organizations that provide support, including:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offering educational resources and support groups.

• Mental Health America (MHA): Providing screenings and information about various mental health conditions.

• Crisis Text Line: Offering 24/7 support via text at 741741 in the U.S. and 686868 in Canada.

Advice for Parents

As a parent, it can be heart-breaking to realize that your child may be dealing with mental health challenges. Here are some steps you can take:

• Be approachable: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their emotions without fear of judgment.

• Observe behaviour changes: If you notice shifts in mood, increased isolation, or risky behaviours, don’t dismiss them as typical adolescent mood swings.

• Have regular conversations about mental health: Normalise discussions about feelings, stress, and mental health in general.

• Collaborate with professionals: Don’t hesitate to seek the help of a therapist, counsellor, or school psychologist if your child appears to be struggling.

Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts: A Message of Hope

For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, know that help is available, and your life is worth living. Suicidal feelings are not a permanent state, and many people who have experienced them go on to lead fulfilling, happy lives. Here are a few strategies for overcoming those feelings:

• Talk to someone: Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or professional, opening can help release some of the emotional weight you’re carrying.

• Create a safety plan: Work with a mental health professional to develop a plan for what to do when you start feeling low, including who to contact and ways to self-soothe.
• Engage in self-care: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices like meditation can make a significant difference in mental health.

• Stay connected: It’s easy to isolate when feeling down but try to stay connected to loved ones or a community, even if it’s just virtually.

Conclusion

National Suicide Prevention Day is more than just a day of recognition—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re raising awareness, offering support, or seeking help yourself, remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should have to struggle alone. By coming together and fostering a compassionate, supportive environment, we can reduce stigma, save lives, and offer hope to those in need.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call emergency services. Lives can be saved through empathy, understanding, and timely intervention.