In today’s world, the rising cases of suicide call for urgent attention and collective action.
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 and the campaign slogan for the year is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
This is according to information retrieved from the World Health Organisation’s website on Tuesday.
According to WHO, mental health challenges, feelings of isolation, and overwhelming stress often lead individuals down a dangerous path.
Suicide causes over 700,000 deaths yearly, impacting individuals and communities globally, says the health agency.
However, suicide is preventable, and by equipping ourselves with the right tools and knowledge, we can make a significant difference.
This piece will highlight 10 practical ways to prevent suicide, offering guidance on how to support those in need and create a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone.
Here are 10 practical ways to prevent suicide:
1. Encourage Open Conversations:
Create a safe space for people to express their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Talking openly about mental health can reduce the stigma and help individuals seek support.
2. Recognise Warning Signs:
Be aware of warning signs like withdrawal, changes in behaviour, mood swings, or talking about feeling hopeless. Early detection can lead to timely intervention.
3. Promote Mental Health Education:
Spread awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention, teaching people how to manage stress and seek help when needed.
4. Limit Access to Harmful Means:
Reduce access to items that could be used for self-harm, such as firearms, medication, or toxic substances, to lower the risk of impulsive acts.
5. Encourage Professional Help:
Guide individuals towards professional resources like therapists, counsellors, or helplines. Therapy and medication can help manage underlying issues like depression or anxiety.
6. Stay Connected:
Regularly check in on friends, family, or colleagues, especially if they seem isolated or distressed. Strong social connections provide emotional support and help people feel less alone.
7. Support Mental Health Initiatives:
Advocate for and support community mental health programs, hotlines, and initiatives that provide resources to those in need.
8. Offer Support Without Judgment:
If someone opens up to you about their struggles, listen empathetically and offer support without criticism or trying to “fix” their problems immediately.
9. Promote Physical and Mental Well-being:
Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity, balanced diets, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices, which can improve overall mental health.
10. Stay Informed:
Keep learning about suicide prevention strategies and mental health resources to be better prepared to support others. Education empowers you to take the right action when needed.
By implementing these practices, we can create a supportive environment that may help prevent suicide and promote mental wellness.
– Reducing stigma from suicide –
Meanwhile, the 2024-2026 theme for World Suicide Prevention Day promotes reducing stigma through open conversations.
The statement on the WHO website further read, “Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.
“The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”
“The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.
“This theme also emphasises the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policy-making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritise mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
“World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The September 10 each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable,” it read.
