Wed. Apr 3rd, 2024

Sept 10 is Suicide Prevention Day – Increasing Awareness and Offering Help

suicide-prevention

One person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Today, the world shines a spotlight on the issue labeling it ‘Suicide Prevention Day.’

‘Suicide Prevention Day’ occurs on September 10th each year to highlight the ongoing issues of mental health and the increasing rates of suicides annually. The main objective is to raise awareness about suicidal symptoms that are often overlooked and help reduce suicidal attempts world-wide.

suicide-prevention
Millions suffer from depression and need help to prevent suicide.
photo: Kat Jayne

Depression and anxiety rates are increasing drastically and according to ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.”

Sadly, the topic of suicide is still considered taboo in many parts of the world. As a result, there are a large number of people who don’t get the help they need in time.

This is why many suicide prevention campaigns have made it their mission to reach all areas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a campaign known as ‘40 seconds of action.’ The campaign begins today, and continuing until October 10, 2020 (World Mental Health Day).

Additionally, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched a program called ‘You Are Not Alone.’ In this program, survivors share their stories and are able to feel the warmth of knowing that people stand beside them hand-in-hand.

One survivor who tells her story said, “I was in a dark place and I didn’t want anyone to look at me as if I were a ticking bomb. I feel relieved now knowing that I have people on whom I can depend… who cares for me; It’s all that I wanted.”

For anyone having issues related to depression or suicide can find help online at http://crisisservices.org/ – or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

The most important thing to know is that there is help and there are free resources and people that care.

No matter how dark or pointless the situation may seem, there is help available – no one is alone.

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