World Suicide Prevention Day

by | Sep 10, 2019 | News

World Suicide Prevention Day is held on the 10th September

 The World Health Organization estimates:

  • 800,000 people take their own life each year,  that’s one person every 40 seconds
  • For every 1 suicide 25 people make a suicide attempt
  • Globally suicide rates are higher in males than females
  • Self-harm largely occurs among older adolescents, and globally is the 2nd leading cause of death for older adolescent girls
  • For each suicide approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected
  • This amounts to 108 million people per year who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviour

Every life lost represents someone’s partner, child, parent, friend, colleague, teacher or student. There are many things that we can do each day, not just on World Suicide Prevention Day, to help prevent the suicidal behaviour of those around us.

  • You can raise awareness about the issue
  • Educate yourself and others about the causes of suicide and warning signs for suicide
  • Show compassion and care for those who are in distress in your community
  • Question the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems
  • Share your own experiences

Learners face many pressures and we should all take the time to be aware of the mental health of those around us. Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge, we all have our part to play to help others in need.

For further information and support you can visit the following websites:

The Samaritans

MIND

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

Mental Health Foundation