It’s September once again. Mental health advocates worldwide mark the World Suicide Prevention Day every September 10.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) leads suicide prevention advocacy all year round, with more raising of awareness every September.
The IASP identified “Creating HOPE through Action” as the theme for three years (2021-2023). It is the slogan for suicide prevention. According to their website, we can be the light – the one who gives HOPE to those contemplating suicide. There is an alternative to suicide.
We must remember that preventing suicide is everyone’s responsibility. IASP says we can do this by encouraging understanding, reaching in, and sharing experiences. Let us have the confidence to act on it.
It has been reported that every year more than 700,000 people take their lives worldwide. There are also many who think of this action. People who experience extreme sadness and feeling so much pain that they want to end their lives by killing themselves. However, the pain doesn’t end, it passes on to someone else to those who are left behind: parents, siblings, co-workers, and many friends.
According to 988 Lifeline Org –
Here are some warning signs to know and watch out for when someone is most likely thinking of dying by suicide:
•Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
•Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
•Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
•Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
•Talking about being a burden to others
•Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
•Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly.
•Sleeping too little or too much
•Withdrawing or isolating themselves
•Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
•Extreme mood swings
These people may have been diagnosed with mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders. They may be helpless, hopeless, or unworthy.
Some may have a history of trauma or abuse and might have previously attempted suicide. They may have experience loss: loss of a loved one, a job, a home, and financial security. There are many other factors. Not all have the same signs.
What can we do as the “light?” Again, we can show our understanding, give our support, and share our stories.
I have shared this before and I repeat. Connect. Communicate. Care. These three words symbolize the heart of suicide prevention.
There will come a time when we meet will someone who may experience depression or anxiety. Depression makes one feel unworthy, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Anxiety is our body’s natural response to danger, an automatic response when we feel threatened, afraid, under pressure or in a stressful situation. .
We need to connect with this friend. This friend, who may be suffering from extreme sadness, he/she may feel unworthy and helpless or may be experiencing a panic attack. We also need to reach out to people who survived a suicide attempt. The “failure” might give them additional pain. We also need to be close to people whose family members died by suicide.
We need to talk to them, find out how they are. Give them our support. Tell them, they matter, that we care. We need to show that we care about him/her. Let us be their friend, be there for them. Assure them that it is better that they are alive. Tell them, they are not alone. YOU will be there for them without judgment or accusations. We will listen to them and refer them to a mental health professional.
Open communication is vital to preventing suicide. We need to talk about it. Advocate for it. Share ways to overcome depression or other illness associated with wanting to die by suicide. Let them know that there are people they can ask for help. The media has a big role in educating people on what to do and where to go. Now, with social media, it is even easier to talk about suicide prevention on Facebook, Twitter, and other applications. There are also a lot of webinars on Anxiety, Coping and other mental health issues.
IASP is encouraging all of us to be advocates, too, in preventing suicide and raising mental health awareness. When you post or share, please use the official hashtags, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #CreatingHopeThroughAction #WSPD, #WSPD2023 or #BeTheLight to join the conversation and help spread awareness of suicide prevention.
Help is always available. Healing is possible. Hope is real. Connect, communicate, and care.
P.S.
It is also an important to share especially for Roman Catholics that September is the birthday month of Mama Mary. Yesterday (Thursday) was the first day of the novena mass for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses are everyday until her birthday on September 8. It is encouraged to attend Holy Mass, but it is not obligatory. There is a wonderful feeling to be part of the celebration. I usually attend mass at the Talanawon ni Maria (TNM) Oratory in Murcia. San Sebastian Cathedral and varied parishes also have masses. Please check their Facebook pages for details.