World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10, 2015
“Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives.”
This is this year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) could not have picked a theme closer to my heart than that.
In 2013 within the United States, 41,149 suicides were recorded by the end of the year. That is 112 suicides a day. Suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined (Overnight Walk, 2015).
So today on this imperative day I encourage you to reach out to someone who may be vulnerable to suicidal thoughts or if you are suffering from suicidal thoughts allow yourself to be reached out to.
World Suicide Prevention Day to-do list:
*Call that estranged person in your life and ask them about their day; it might feel weird at first, maybe even a little awkward but once you get the ball rolling I promise you’ll feel good for picking up that phone.
*Spread awareness! Use social media, talk about it with a stranger while in line at the coffee shop, anything is helpful.
*Above spreading awareness, spread love. Toss it into the air like confetti, remind each and everyone just how much they mean to you, treat it like a second Thanksgiving!
*If you are worried about someone, speak up! Asking if they have/are considering suicide is not going to make them do it, and on the contrary bringing it up and discussing it allows the individual to recognize that you care, and you clearly do not want them to take such drastic measures.
*Remember not to argue or yell at the person if they have considered suicide. Do not make them feel sorry for telling you the truth.
*If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts, go out and do what you love. Take the time out of your day and kick a ball on the field if that is what you like to do, have yourself an ice cream, watch a movie–whatever makes your heart sing, do it.
*Be proactive: help your loved one find help and/or find help for yourself.
*Last but not least love with every inch of your soul, fill the atmosphere with happiness and laughter, and remember that everyone is fighting their own battle, and that doesn’t mean your problems are unimportant it simply means spread kindness.
“Be kinder than is necessary, because it is not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” –R.J. Palacio, Wonder
Also, make sure to check out and donate to To Write Love On Her Arms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who suffer from suicidal thoughts that generally come with depression.
More helpful links to visit
http://www.suicidology.org/About-AAS
http://theovernight.donordrive.com/?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1034
Go out there and spread love, kindness, and awareness!
With the utmost love and affection,
Angie B.