Sunday the 10th of September was World Suicide Prevention Day. The campaign has been running since 2003, but I wasn’t aware of it until recently.
There are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide. Sadly, the figure doesn’t stop there, as each suicide affects the people who lose a loved one in these tragic circumstances. The impact of suicide is far-reaching, causing emotional, social, and economic distress.
The campaign ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to people who are struggling.
I believe the more we talk about our mental health, the more we reduce the stigma. My mum has been struggling since losing my dad, and I’ve found the more I openly talk to others about the issues we have been dealing with, the more understanding everyone becomes.
It might not directly help my mum, but I hope that being open about mental health and suicide may help others realise they’re not alone if they ever find themselves or someone close dealing with these issues.
There is always an alternative to suicide, by offering more support to our friends, family and work colleagues, we can manifest hope.
Sylvia oxoxo
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