Remove Stigma: Shine A Light On Suicide

“A permanent solution to a temporary state.”

We often don’t hear about the suicide attempts or completions of those around us. They are masked because of guilt and shame or for fear of it being ‘contagious’. Because we don’t talk about it, those around us can suffer in silence, unaware of the supports that may be available to them. There is little funding because there is no public outcry. We distance ourselves by thinking of these people as crazy or weak. But the issue of suicide touches us all – whether directly or indirectly.

What Does World Suicide Day Have To Do With You?

World Suicide Prevention Day is held on September 10th each year and is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose WSPD is to improve education, disseminate information, decrease stigmatization and, most importantly, raise awareness that suicide can be preventable.

Suicide Prevention And Awareness

Anyone can show their support of suicide prevention and awareness, or for the survivors, and/or for the memory of loved ones lost. It is called “Light a Candle on WSPD” and it happens at 8 PM.

Get to know the resources that are available to help and that you can connect with, if you suspect that someone is at risk for suicide. Beverly Beuermann-King Click to tweet

Some Quick Facts About Suicide:

Globally, close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds.
Death by Suicide accounts for more than half of all violent deaths in the world. This is more than all deaths from wars and homicides combined.
More than by homicides and car accidents and breast cancer combined.
Worldwide it is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
Every year many millions more people make serious attempts which while, they do not result in death, require medical treatment and mental health care.
Suicide exacts huge psychological and social costs, and the economic costs to society (lost productivity, health and social care costs) are estimated at many billions of dollars each year.
Because almost a quarter of suicides are teenagers and young adults less than 25, it is a leading cause of premature death, accounting for more than 20 million years of healthy life lost.

Beverly’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day:

Read and learn as much as you can about the issue of suicide – it’s prevalence, the signs, and symptoms, and personal stories from survivors. Understand that this is not an issue that affects only a few in our society. Understand the pain that those who even consider suicide as an option, must be in.
Be open and not afraid. Listen to what your friends and family may be telling you about how they are feeling and coping. Are there any warning signs – if so, don’t be afraid to ask directly about the issue of suicide. Show them that you care enough to ask. Let them know that you aren’t going to run away or judge them if they admit to these ‘dark’ thoughts.
Know the resources that are available to help. Know who in the community you connect with if you suspect that someone is vulnerable.
Light a candle if you can, and let other’s know that you care enough to light the candle. Post it on your Facebook page, your webpage or create a poster and post it at your workplace, your community center or place of worship.

Suicide: Support Those In Need

Suicide is a difficult issue to discuss, but it is even a more difficult issue to contemplate. Let’s help support those who are in pain so that they can find a better solution to living a peaceful and purposeful life.

If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!