*Sensitive content. Please note that this article mentions suicide. If you need help please reach out, there are resources listed at the bottom of this page. If you are seriously worried about yourself or a loved one, you can visit your nearest A&E, or call 999 in an emergency.
10th September 2022 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Hosted annually by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), World Suicide Prevention Day is dedicated to sharing the message that suicide can be prevented. On September 10th, we are all invited to light a candle by our windows to show our support for suicide prevention, remember lost loved ones, and survivors of suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day was first established in 2003 in Stockholm, in a collaboration between IASP and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Since then, the day is now marked in over 60 countries around the world, highlighting that suicide is sadly prevalent worldwide.
Throughout the years, there have been many different themes for the day centred around suicide prevention, including “Prevention of suicide is everybody’s business”, and “Take a minute, change a life”.
There have also been themes to explore suicide prevention on a global scale including: “Think globally, plan nationally, act locally”, “Preventing suicide in multi-cultural societies”, and “Suicide prevention in different cultures”.
The theme for 2022 is “Creating hope through action”.
This theme was first announced in 2021 and will run until 2023. The vision for this theme is to remind everyone that there are actions we can all take to help prevent suicide, and that with a collective voice from across the world, we can create hope.
The theme also serves as a reminder that all action, whether something big, such as advocating for improved mental health services and access across the world, or something small, such as asking someone how they are and offering them a listening ear, can make a difference.
As the “Creating hope through action” theme will run until 2023 (for 3 years in total), IASP and WHO hope that by building on the theme every year, we can all create a world where suicide is less prevalent.
There are lots of campaigns and events taking place around the world to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, and these events will help to spread this year’s important message and break down the stigma attached to suicide.
On a global level, for the past eight years IASP has held a virtual cycling event called #CycleTheGlobe. This year, the event is being held again, and everyone from around the world is encouraged to cycle any distance between 10th September and 10th October. Find out how you can get involved here.
To reduce some of the barriers to joining this event, it is completely free to take part, and fundraising is optional, making the event inclusive for communities around the world.
On a national level, this World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans encourage you to ask the question, “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” if you’re worried about a loved one.
Whilst it may seem very blunt and you may feel a little uncomfortable approaching the topic so directly, it is an important question to ask and it can help people to open up about how they are feeling, as explained by Taylor in this video.
Rethink Mental Illness is also hosting a free online event with the North West London Suicide Prevention Programme. The event will explore the barriers faced by people bereaved by suicide and will include speakers from key organisations including Mind and The New Normal Charity.
Although the event will only provide signposting to London-specific resources, the rest of the content will be aimed to support all individuals bereaved by suicide. If you are outside of London, we encourage you to access the resources listed below.
How ever you get involved to support World Suicide Prevention Day, know you are not alone. Thousands of people from around the globe will be united in a joint cause to help raise awareness around suicide and break down the stigmas.
If you are feeling low at the moment and need help, there are a range of organisations and resources available online. You can also visit your GP to discuss any concerns.
In a previous blog, we explore what to do if you are having suicidal thoughts.
There are also lots of organisations that have resources, community groups, and helplines dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention.
Samaritans – you can call their free helpline on 116 123, 24/7, or email [email protected] for a response within 24 hours.
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7, for an anonymous and confidential chat with a dedicated volunteer.
There are also a range of NHS urgent mental health helplines across the UK. Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline in England.
If you are seriously concerned about yourself or a loved one, and feel as though you cannot keep yourself safe, visit your nearest A&E or call 999 in an emergency.
