40 Seconds of Action #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide.

Suicide does not take away the pain, it gives it to someone else. Every death is a tragedy for family, friends and colleagues. Suicide Facts

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.

This year, World Health Organization has launched a “40 Seconds of Action” campaign to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it. The culmination of the campaign will be on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, the focus of which is also suicide prevention this year.

In this campaign, everyone is encouraged to take “40 Seconds of Action” in order to help:

  • Improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global public health problem
  • Improve knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide
  • Reduce the stigma associated with suicide
  • Let people who are struggling know that they are not alone.

Put simply, this is an opportunity to show you care.

Here are some more ideas:

  • If you are struggling, take 40 seconds to kick-start a conversation with someone you trust about how you are feeling.
  • If you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, take 40 seconds to start a conversation and ask them how they are doing.
  • If you work in media, highlight the 40-second statistic in interviews, articles and blog posts.
  • If you are an employer or manager, take 40 seconds to formulate a positive message of support to your employees about resources available to them in the workplace or local community in times of mental distress.
  • If you want your leaders to hear your request for action, record a 40-second audio clip or video telling them the action you want them to take on suicide prevention and mental health.
  • If you have a platform for communicating with a large audience (social media, television, radio), provide 40-second slots for sharing mental health stories and messages.

Suicide Prevention is possible. If all of us work together, we can increase awareness of this public health issue and get people the support they need.

Here are four ways to reduce the number of suicides:

1. Have Meaningful Social Connections

Social connections help us live longer, stronger and happier lives. Strive to make or maintain quality and meaningful relationships.

2. Know the Warning Signs

Suicide has more than just one cause. Factors such as substance misuse and untreated mental illness can lead to a higher risk for suicide in individuals.

3. Identify Whether You or Someone Else Has Specific Mental Health Needs

Detecting the often hidden symptoms of mental illness early and finding the right treatment options for mental illness can help most people return to living mentally well.

4. Seek Help for Yourself or Someone Else

If you’re worried about your, or someone else’s, suicidal thoughts or feelings, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many support options available for dealing with suicidal thoughts or feelings.

If you know someone who has indicated they are contemplating suicide, take them seriously. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional and don’t leave them alone. Let’s work together to prevent suicide and make a difference in someone’s life.

My other posts on  #SuicidePrevention are

Stigma : A Barrier to Suicide Prevention (2013)

Connect for Suicide Prevention (2014)

Myths and Facts about Suicide (2015)

Take a Minute, Change a Life #SuicidePrevention (2017)