Today, Sept. 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day, with people around the world and on social media making resources available to help prevent suicides.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) said that this year’s theme is “Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out And Saving Lives.” So, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the IASP listed ways to help anyone who might be thinking of taking their own lives. It is also important to be there for anyone who has lost a loved one or friend to suicide.
“The act of showing care and concern to someone who may be vulnerable to suicide can be a game-changer,” the IASP says. “Asking them whether they are OK, listening to what they have to say in a non-judgmental way, and letting them know you care, can all have a significant impact. Isolation increases the risk of suicide, and, conversely, having strong social connections is protective against it, so being there for someone who has become disconnected can be life-saving.”
According to the WHO, it’s estimated that there are over 800,000 suicides annually around the world and just as many suicide attempts. In addition, the WHO says that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 29. That’s why it’s important for suicide to be seen as a global issue.
The Human Rights Campaign also marked today’s event, noting that research shows that almost have of transgender youth have thought about suicide. Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are also four times as more likely to attempt suicide than non-LGB youth.
The IASP and WHO have been hosting World Suicide Day since 2003.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255.