Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a campaign that takes place every year to raise awareness of suicide prevention and the support resources available.
Every year, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where less people die by suicide.
On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay it’s vital that we find ways of supporting people in distress and give compassionate support. In today’s podcast we’re chatting to Kevin O Neill, the NHS Distress Brief Intervention programme manger about #DBIScot‘s work: https://t.co/pM9vJwaqCV pic.twitter.com/8I7hqWIcMc
— See Me (@seemescotland) September 10, 2020
The day has a different focus and theme each year, this year’s focus brings to light a specific aspect of suicide prevention: Connection.
Connection
If someone is feeling isolated, vulnerable or distressed, having a sense of connection can play an important role in suicide prevention. Connection comes in many forms: With friends and family; through activities; with nature; with support services.
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, @NSPA_UK are sharing ways to stay connected with your own mental health through self-care, and ideas on how you can connect with others to create a supportive community to help prevent suicide #WSPD2020 pic.twitter.com/GqNSXeZiDm
— Mind (@MindCharity) September 10, 2020
Forming a meaningful connection can help to distract from suicidal thoughts and engaging in activities can help to take time away from difficulties. Making connections with friends and family isn’t just important for people who feel distressed, being able to make connections with someone close to us who we think may be struggling can provide invaluable support.
Even though you may not feel it, YOU are important. @allontheboard #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD2020 #Suicide #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/bCLUB6iv2N
— All On The Board (@allontheboard) September 10, 2020
While the coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in different ways and brought increased challenges, it has also forced us to form connections in new ways. The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder to continue to reach out to others to help ourselves and our loved ones.
Experience
To connect with other people around the world who might be struggling, people are sharing their own experiences of suicidal thoughts and how support helped them to overcome this to live a happy life.
When I was 19 I felt lost and that suicide might be my only option. I chose to live and the past 30 years have had more wonderful moments than I could have imagined. If you are feeling suicidal please talk to someone, there’s a future out there with your name on it 💛 #WSPD2020
— Judd Skelton (@judd_skelton) September 10, 2020
One of the main barriers to speaking out about mental health and suicidal thoughts is the stigma surrounding the topic. People talking about their experiences via social media, through media outlets and to loved ones is helping to create a more open, destigmatised conversation around mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is not selfish, it is not a choice people want to make, they feel they need to make it as they don’t see a way out, I have been there myself, here is me with my suicide prevention badge, pic taken shorty after I overcome my own suicidal issues #WSPD2020 pic.twitter.com/W2MuyOH4h9
— Gary Muir (@GaryMuir20) September 10, 2020
One person speaking out is Joshua Zitser who spoke to Metro about the power of connecting with others through social media if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Last November when he couldn’t see any way forward in his life, Joshua tweeted his version of a goodbye to the world, but he didn’t expect the response.
You have survived 100% of your worst days. You will survive this too.
If you need help today or any other day, please call one of these hotlines for guidance, support or just to be a sounding board:https://t.co/uFuuP0J8lM#WorldSuicidePreventionDay
— Joshua Zitser (@mrjoshz) September 10, 2020
People Joshua had never spoken to before flooded his DMs with messages of support, helpline numbers and their own phone numbers, urging him to call and talk about how he was feeling. Now, Joshua is highlighting the power of social media and sharing your own experiences.
As one of the main forms of connecting and communicating today, social media plays a major role is helping to destigmatise mental illness and suicidal thoughts. As part of WSPD, Samaritans have launched industry guidelines to help platforms safely and sensitively manager user generated content on suicide and self-harm.
The new guidelines aim to make the internet a safer place for people experiencing these thoughts and behaviours.
Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing poor mental health, suicidal thoughts or wants to learn more about having an open conversation on mental health, there is support available.
Many of us are part of different communities – whether through our hobbies, our faith or a shared interest, we can find connection with people we trust. Here are some examples of communities connecting https://t.co/XbstjSBo5r #WSPD2020 pic.twitter.com/O9azFsjw1r
— National Suicide Prevention Alliance (@NSPA_UK) September 10, 2020
The National Suicide Prevention Alliance is made up of more than 70 organisations around the world, all providing resources and support.
If you need to speak to someone now, call one of the helplines below:
Samaritans
116 123
Calm
0800 58 58 58
The Mix UK
0808 808 4994
NHS24
111/999 in an emergency
SHOUT
Text CONNECT to 85258
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