2017 marks the 15th World Suicide Prevention Day. The day
was first recognised in 2003, as an initiative of the International Association
for Suicide Prevention and endorsed by the World Health Organization. World
Suicide Prevention Day takes place each year on September 10. For more information, please visit this page.
To quote from the IASP site, because I couldn't say it better myself: "Life is precious and sometimes precarious. Taking a minute
to reach out to someone – a complete stranger or close family member or friend
– can change the course of their life.
No one has to have all the answers
People are often reluctant to intervene, even if they are
quite concerned about someone. There are many reasons for this, not least that
they fear they will not know what to say. It is important to remember, however,
that there is no hard and fast formula. Individuals who have come through an
episode of severe suicidal thinking often say that they were not looking for
specific advice, but that compassion and empathy from others helped to turn
things around for them and point them towards recovery.
Another factor that deters people from starting the
conversation is that they worry that they may make the situation worse. Again,
this hesitation is understandable; broaching the topic of suicide is difficult
and there is a myth that talking about suicide with someone can put the idea
into their head or trigger the act.
The evidence suggests that this is not the case. Being
caring and listening with a non-judgmental ear are far more likely to reduce
distress than exacerbate it." (Bold added by Liana.)
Be bold today, and every day. Reach out to someone in need.
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