World Suicide Prevention Day

Every year more than 800,000 people take their own lives across the globe. In the UK alone more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year - about 18 a day. Suicide is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual awareness-raising event. Join us each year on 10 September and reach out to people who may be struggling to cope. Reaching out to people who are going through a difficult time can have a massive impact on their mental well-being. People who are feeling low or suicidal often feel unworthy of being heard or fear burdening others with their problems.

Small actions such as hearing from friends or family, feeling listened to or just being told that 'it's OK to talk' can make the world of difference. When a person reaches a point where they no longer see a resolution and suicide becomes a solution, they’ve often lost sight of trying to find a way through their problems.

This period usually only lasts a short while and often it doesn’t take a huge amount to bring someone back from that decision – something as simple as reaching out to them and reminding them ‘it's OK to talk’ can be enough to move someone out of a suicidal crisis.

Start a conversation today if you think a colleague, friend or family member may be struggling.

Sometimes people experiencing an emotional crisis can be stuck in a spiral of negative thinking. Just knowing there's someone who cares and is prepared to listen, can make a huge difference. It can be emotional starting a conversation with someone who's struggling to cope. Remember you don't need to have all the answers, just listening and showing you care can make a huge difference.

Samaritans are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and support anyone struggling to cope. If you're worried about someone or would like emotional support yourself, contact them by clicking here. You don’t have to be suicidal in order to contact them.

Start a conversation today if you think a friend, colleague or family member may be struggling. 

For World Suicide Prevention Day The International Association for Suicide Prevention highlighted the most common warning signs displayed, which if recognised in time, could help save lives.

Warning Signs of Suicide:

Contact a mental health professional or hotline if you hear or see someone exhibiting one or more of these behaviours:​

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family & society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2018 is “Working Together To Prevent Suicide.” Today join together with hundreds of thousands of other people from across the globe to prevent suicide and save more lives.

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