Simple, accurate health tests for the home and the workplace.
Suicide is a difficult subject to talk about, with many feeling uncomfortable talking about suicidal thoughts. But it is an important topic to speak about, with thousands dying by suicide each year. Every year, Suicide Prevention Day is held to raise awareness for people who have lost their lives to suicide and educate people on what to say to someone who they think may be at risk. Find out how you can spread the word about suicide prevention today.
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th. This date was chosen because September is Suicide Prevention Month. It is an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This day aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma and promote the understanding of mental health issues. With campaigns and events held every year to increase awareness, Suicide Prevention Day encourages and educates people to reach out to those who may be struggling.
For the last few years, IASP has implemented a triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme for 2024-2026 will be “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The aim of this specific theme is to raise awareness about changing the narrative surrounding suicide.
There is a stigma that follows the word ‘suicide’, leading to many people feeling unable to talk about this complex issue, even if they need help. By changing the narrative around suicide, mental health can be prioritised with an increase in research and funding to better understand suicide.
Suicide is when someone wants to end their own life. There are many different reasons why people may have suicidal thoughts. Typically, social, psychological, and cultural factors can affect a person’s risk of suicide. Contrary to popular belief, suicidal thoughts don’t necessarily mean a person has a mental illness, either. There are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of suicide, including:
Many people who die by suicide may have previously expressed their intentions beforehand. All suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. This could be a sign that they need some help.
Talking to someone about suicide or asking if they have had suicidal thoughts will not increase the risk. It can actually help open up communication and encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or socioeconomic status. There are many risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of suicide that focus on life events, such as a relationship ending, rather than age or gender.
With one in five people having suicidal thoughts in their lives, it’s clear that suicidal thoughts are often temporary and can be reduced with the right help and advice. Many people who have suicidal thoughts go on to live fulfilling lives.
Suicide attempts are not to get your attention but rather a cry for help. They should never be dismissed as attention-seeking behaviour.
If you think someone may be at risk of suicide, it is a good idea to reach out to them. This might make you feel uncomfortable but encouraging them to talk about their thoughts can help to let them know they are not alone. Here are some pointers to help guide your conversation:
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should seek professional support.
You can contact:
Remember, you don’t have to make a decision today and act on your thoughts. Try to focus on getting through today and distract yourself by doing things you enjoy. Being around other people can also be helpful if you don’t feel like talking to anyone at the moment. You could go to a shopping centre or a coffee shop. This could help you feel safe even if they don’t know what you’re going through.
The Samaritans have created a funders toolkit to help you spread the word about suicide prevention and raise awareness on social media. With a range of downloadable assets, you can simply post one or a few to your social media and show your support for the cause.
You could even donate to charities like the Samaritans, volunteer or hold a fundraising event, such as a walk, run or even cycle!
At Home Health, we want to show our support for World Suicide Prevention Day by raising awareness and educating others about suicide. Reach out to someone if you think they may be at risk of suicide. It could help save a life.
World Suicide Prevention Day is held every September 10th. With the month of September being Suicide Awareness Month, the whole month is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide and educating people about how to talk to those who may be at risk of suicide.
You can get involved this Suicide Prevention Day by:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, speak to someone today. This could be someone you know and trust, or you could call a helpline such as the Samaritans.
If you think someone is having suicidal thoughts but you are not sure how to talk to them about it, try using these tips:
The New Model from SD Biosensor (the manufacturers of the No.1 selling SD Codefree Blood Glucose Meter) has all the benefits of the Codefree plus it boasts a greater accuracy due to a wider haematocrit (HCT) range of 0-70% and GDH-FAD enzyme technology.
All of this with prices starting from just £11.99!
Click here to find out more information.