September 1 is World Suicide Prevention day.
If you’ve been hanging out here for a while, you know I write a lot about mental health, including depression and suicide.
I appreciate this quote from Book Lovers Unite:
Two kinds of stigma continue to persist: public stigma and self-stigma. Public stigma occurs when other people view a person with a mental illness in a negative way. Public stigma feeds into self-stigma when people with mental illness internalize the negative talk they hear from others.
Well-meaning people say things like, “Suck it up,” “Choose to be happy,” “Turn that frown upside down,” or “Focus on your blessings,” as if mental illness were a mood, a frame of mind, or an attitude that can simply be overcome at will.
Often, people who suffer from mental illness blame themselves instead of seeking help. Just as a diabetic needs insulin, a person with mental illness may need treatment.
People who contemplate suicide don’t want to die; they just can’t fathom how to live because they are so miserable. They can’t see past their pain and misery, and they see no point in going on.
Ways You Can Help on World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that every one of us can play a role. Here are practical steps you can take:
1. Reach Out and Check In
Sometimes the simplest act—asking “How are you really doing?”—can make a life-saving difference. Reach out to loved ones, friends, coworkers, or even someone in your community.
- Don’t be afraid to ask directly if they’re thinking about suicide.
- Show empathy, listen without judgment, and validate their feelings.
- Encourage them to seek help and remind them they’re not alone.
2. Keep Learning
Education is key to prevention. Suicide prevention training can help you:
- Recognize warning signs.
- Know how to respond in a crisis.
- Build confidence in offering support.
Look for local workshops, online training, or workplace programs that teach suicide prevention strategies.
3. Share Your Story
If you’ve survived a suicide attempt or lost someone you love, sharing your experience—when you feel ready and supported—can help others feel less alone. Stories of survival and resilience remind us that healing is possible.
4. Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
Help normalize conversations about mental health:
- Use your voice on social media.
- Participate in community events.
- Talk openly with friends, family, or colleagues.
Every conversation helps break stigma and spreads hope.
Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day
Here are a few powerful videos and resources you may find meaningful:
The Bridge Between Suicide and Life
You’re Still Here: Living After Suicide
This Is for All of You in a Dark Place
Suicide Is Preventable
Suicide in Canada
One of my most popular Pinterest pins is this one:
Together, we can change the conversation around suicide. By choosing openness, empathy, and action, we can make a difference—not just on World Suicide Prevention Day, but every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about World Suicide Prevention Day
❓ What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed every year on September 10 to raise awareness about suicide, reduce stigma around mental health, and promote resources for prevention.
❓ Why is suicide prevention important?
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet it is preventable. Raising awareness, recognizing warning signs, and offering support can save lives and help reduce stigma around mental illness.
❓ How can I help someone who may be suicidal?
Reach out with compassion, ask how they are feeling, and listen without judgment. Don’t be afraid to ask directly if they are having suicidal thoughts. Encourage them to seek professional help and remind them they are not alone.
❓ What resources are available for suicide prevention?
Support is available through local crisis lines, mental health organizations, and online resources. In the U.S. and Canada, you can dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
❓ How can I get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day?
You can participate by sharing awareness posts on social media, attending community events, supporting mental health organizations, or simply reaching out to someone you know who may be struggling.
