On September 10th, the day designated as Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day, we are asked to take a few moments to help raise awareness of the widespread problem of suicide.
But the commemorative day, sponsored by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, is about more than just becoming aware of the problem, it is about taking steps to prevent suicide.
Indeed, the worldwide numbers for suicide are staggering – every year more than 800,000 people die by taking their own lives. According to the IASP, this is equal to one death every 40 seconds, more than the number of people who die from war and homicide combined.
‘Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives’ is the theme of the 2015 World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention(IASP) and the WHO, a co-sponsor of meetings and events related to WSPD 2015. Since 2003, WSPD has taken place on 10th September each year. It serves as a call to action to individuals and organizations to prevent suicide. This year, the theme encourages us all to consider the role that offering support may play in combating suicide. Visit the IASP website
Recognizing the problem is one thing. Knowing what to do to help is another. Fortunately, there are many organizations that offer tools for us to use so that we can make a difference. The National Council for Suicide Prevention has published 5 steps you can take right now.
To commemorate Suicide Prevention Day, the team at Digital Dying and Funeralwise.com encourage you to educate yourself about suicide and what we as individuals can do to prevent it. We are also passing along a number of links to suicide and suicide prevention resources. If you feel you need help or you know someone who does, please reach out. You aren’t alone. And on September 10th at 8pm, light a candle to help shed light on the worldwide problem of suicide.
SUICIDE/SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY RESOURCES
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Depression_Resources.htm
- National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center: http://www.sprc.org/
- International Association for Suicide Prevention – Resources: http://www.iasp.info/resources/index.php
- Facebook Suicide Prevention Tool: https://www.facebook.com/help/594991777257121/
