World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day always observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day.
In an effort to address this issue and encourage positive change, the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2024-2026 has been announced as “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
“Start the Conversation” is a key part of “Change the Narrative”, this call encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide. By starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.
Useful Facts to support awareness:
· Suicide rates among construction workers in the UK are over three times the national average.
· Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.
· almost half of trans people, 46%, have thought about taking their life in the last year
· On average, around five young people take their lives each day.
Myths and Facts:
Myth: Talking to someone about suicide could make them more likely to end their life
Fact: Talking about suicide won’t make somebody’s suicidal thoughts worse or make them more likely to harm themself. Starting a conversation about suicidal thoughts can help with suicide prevention by creating a safe space for them to talk about how they are feeling. You may also use this conversation as an opportunity to explore support options, such as professional support.
Myth: If a person is serious about ending their life, they can’t be helped
Fact: While suicide is a serious public health problem, a lot can be done to prevent it with timely support
Myth: If a person is talking about their suicidal thoughts, they won’t act on them
Fact: Talking about suicide can be a plea for help. Don’t assume that someone wont attempt to take their own life if they talk about suicide. Always take suicidal feelings seriously.
Myth: You have to have a mental illness to think about suicide Fact: One in five people have thought about suicide at some point in their life. Not all people who die by suicide have a mental health condition. Though people living with a mental illness are generally more likely to feel suicidal, and make an attempt.
Myth: When someone dies by suicide, they have ‘committed’ a crime
Fact: Suicide has not been illegal since 1961 in England and Wales. The use of the phrase ‘committed suicide’ is no longer appropriate and can add to the stigma around suicide. Suicide is a delicate topic and careful thought should be given to the language used. Avoid using language that causes distress to bereaved family and friends, or that glorifies or sensationalises suicide. Think about using phrases such as ‘taken their life’ or ‘died by suicide’.
Getting Support
Signs to Look Out For – useful guidance How to support someone you’re worried about | Samaritans
If You Are Worried about a Child / Young Person – Online Support:
Support and Guidance for Foster Carers: · Supporting-Your-Child-A5-Booklet-English-2023.pdf (papyrus-uk.org)
· Advice for parents and guardians – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
· Help and Advice Resources | Papyrus UK (papyrus-uk.org)
· Downloadable resources – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
Support for Professionals: · PAPYRUS offer a de-brief service for professionals Debrief service | Papyrus (papyrus-uk.org)
Support for Young People who may be feeling Suicidal:
· Call 999 if you feel you want to take your own life
· PAPYRUS have lots of ways for young people to reach out; call 0800 068 41 41. There is a 24 hour HoplineChat on their website Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org) or you can text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
· Samaritans; call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or you can visit their website Chat with us online | Contact a Samaritan (samaritans.org)
· Clic – Free online community supporting everyone with their mental health (clic-uk.org)
Support for Adults who may be feeling suicidal:
· Call 999 if you feel you want to take your own life
· Samaritans; call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or you can visit their website Chat with us online | Contact a Samaritan (samaritans.org)
Tools and Resources
Online Resources:
· Downloadable resources – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
· Suicide – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
· Help and Advice Resources | Papyrus UK (papyrus-uk.org)
Suicide Awareness Training:
· Free online training from Zero Suicide Alliance
· Active Training | Papyrus (papyrus-uk.org)
· SPOT training | Suicide Prevention Training | Papyrus UK (papyrus-uk.org)
Books for Children / Young People Who Have Lost Someone to Suicide:
· What Is Suicide? A Book to Explain A Loss From Suicide to Children, by McKenzie Blumhagen
· Why?: A Story for Kids Who Have Lost a Parent to Suicide, by Melissa Allen Heath
· My Grief Is Like the Ocean: A Story for Children Who Lost a Parent to Suicide, by Jessica Biles and Jillian Kelly-Wavering.
· Why Did Daddy End His Life? Why Did He Have To Die? By Samantha Pekh
· Luna’s Red Hat: An Illustrated Storybook to Help Children Cope with Loss and Suicide, by Emmi Smit
· Little Flower Bulb: Helping Children Bereaved by Suicide by Eleanor Gormally
· Someone I Love Died by Suicide: A Story for Child Survivors and Those Who Care for Them, by Doreen T. Cammarata
· Everything Changed: A book for children affected by suicide, by Mia, Robin and Jasper Scally · Why Would Someone Want to Die? by Rebecca Schmidt and Rebecca C. Schmidt
Books to Support Adults to Talk to Children / Young People about Suicide:
· Let’s Talk About It: A Guide for Talking to Children After a Suicide of a Loved One, by Laura Camerona
· Someone I Love Died by Suicide: A Story for Child Survivors and Those Who Care for Them, by Doreen T. Cammarata
· Finding the Words: How to Talk with Children & Teens About Death, Suicide, Homicide, Funerals, Cremation & Other End-of-Life Matters by Alan D. Wolfelt
· Supporting Children After a Suicide Loss: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers, by Susan M Coale
Books for Parents Who have Lost a Child to Suicide:
· Surviving Your Child’s Suicide: A Mother’s Story, by Carol Hoskins · Zachary’s Choice, by Suzy LaBonte
· Uncharted Waters: The aftermath of a child’s suicide, By Lindsey Behee and Anna Timperley · Survive Your Child’s Suicide :How to Move through Grief to Healing, by Peggy Green
Books for Professionals: · But I Didn’t Say Goodbye, by Barbara Rubel
· After a Parent’s Suicide: Helping Children Heal, by Margo Requarth
· Beyond the Rough Rock: Supporting a Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide
· Finding the Words: How to Talk with Children & Teens About Death, Suicide, Homicide, Funerals, Cremation & Other End-of-Life Matters, by Alan D. Wolfelt
· Grief Recovery for Teens : Letting Go of Painful Emotions with Body-Based Practices by Coral Popowitz
