10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day

“Working Together to Prevent Suicide” is the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th.

This important theme highlights the most essential ingredient for effective global suicide prevention – collaboration. We all have a role to play when it comes to suicide and together we can collectively address the challenges presented by suicidal behaviour in society today.

Suicide is a community issue and is everyone’s business. No one should suffer alone and together we can fight suicide and reach out to others when they are in need.

If a friend or family member is going through a difficult time, offering a listening ear when they need to talk will make a big difference for them and for you. It can be a huge relief for the other person to know you are there. They may feel such relief that the problem may resolve itself by talking it out with you. People often want to talk but find it hard to start the conversation.

If you are worried that someone is thinking about suicide, don’t be afraid to ask the direct question – are they suicidal? The best you can do is to listen to them without judgement or blame.