. World Suicide Prevention Day.

 

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Every year, more than 720,000 people die by suicide, leaving families, friends, healthcare teams, and many people deeply affected.  Created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the WHO, this day brings together individuals, organisations, and institutions to take action on suicide prevention.  

The current theme for 2024–2026, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, calls for a shift from silence and stigma to openness, empathy, and support. It encourages us to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviours.  

As someone who has been suicidal  in  past , lost friends to suicide, I hold World Suicide Prevention Day close to my heart. The work is year round, but today matters.  Suicides in England and Wales have reached their highest annual rate since 1999.

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s break the silence.  The focus of this World Suicide Prevention Day is to change the narrative around suicide. Even small actions can help someone who is struggling. A simple conversation, a heartfelt check-in, or a moment of vulnerability could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.  

Together, we can make a difference and save lives. Let's make a change today to begin building a more empathetic society.  To everyone of you who carries the daily burden of a difficult life, to everyone of you whose heart aches under the weight of their struggles, and to everyone of you who question your reason to be here: Please know that you are not alone. Don't give up. Your life matters. I

t's important  to  say  that suicide is not selfish. and those that consider not attention seeking. Suicide is, normally, death caused by the illness of depression. It is a final symptom. A final collapse under unbearable weight. Suicide is a tragedy, and if some people have never been close to the edge. it's also    important that they do not judge what they can’t understand. People need to be kind. 

We also need to move away from considering suicide as a purely mental health issue, and acknowledge the impact of social factors, such as poverty, debt, addictions, homelessness, abuse, discrimination and social isolation. 

Changing the narrative on suicide requires complete systemic change. It's about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support  and  raising  awareness. Talking about suicide does not cause it — but silence can. Let’s encourage honest, compassionate conversations.  Most important of all if someone is suicidal, PLEASE take them seriously, don't judge and if they don't go through with it, be with them after help them resume their life.. 

Whether you've lost a loved one or experienced your own personal struggles, I'm  sending love today to everyone who has been touched by suicide.