World Suicide Prevention Day

I recall despising the sun and having the deepest alliance with darkness, and a strong sisterhood with rainy nights. My bed would often transform into a sea of tears, my pillowcases and bed sheets drenched in pain and resentment towards my own life. I would often cry inaudibly these three words “Please help me”, but could not hear a reply. Life was a never-ending tunnel except my eyes were blind to the light at the end of it. I saw no way out and saw no point in my existence. So I sought religiously on how to end it. I conducted extensive research on how it could be done, what would I need, when is the best time, and what potential obstacles will be in my way. Just when I was about to end it all, I finally heard the voice that I was despising, the answer I was ignoring and it spoke so clearly, the words “Don’t give up, give life a fighting chance.” 

So I then recalled the times I would walk across a busy road attempting to end it, but something would save me. Finding notes telling me that I “deserve to be happy” attached to bridges.  I remembered the days when I would feel so down and miserable, and then someone would say something so uplifting to me. I remembered how, many times the days that I felt so sad and just wanted to immerse myself in darkness were the days when the sun would shine so brightly. I remembered the family members who would call me persistently to check if I was okay. My eyes were opened. I found the light at the end of the tunnel. The life that I once despised I am finally happy with. All because I gave life a fighting chance and decided to never give up no matter what. 

What is World Suicide Prevention Day and when did it begin? 

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) together with World Health Organisation (WHO). The awareness day takes place every year on September 10th. It aims to help people focus and think about the issue and rates of suicide and raise awareness amongst organisations, governments, and the public. 

World Suicide Prevention Day Theme and colours? 

The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is: “Creating Hope Through Action”. This has been the theme for WSPD for 3 years. The theme is a powerful call to action and reminder to take action as it is through our actions that we can encourage hope and reduce the number of people who take their own lives. 

(These images were sourced from the International Association for Suicide Prevention website)

IASP and WSPD launched a universal suicide prevention ribbon; yellow and orange were two prominent colours that stood out when the two organisations reviewed ribbons and colours around the world that signify suicide prevention awareness.

The two-tone ribbon of yellow and orange symbolises the light of a candle flame. In many ways, it’s a symbol that there is a way to come out of the darkness and into the light. 

How to celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day? 

There are many different ways that you can get involved in this year’s WSPD including: 

• Cycle Around the Globe: From 10th September – 10th October – A free, virtual event and cycle any distance on any road, track or gym in support of WSPD. 
• Light a Candle: In support of suicide prevention, to remember a lost one, and to acknowledge and support survivors of suicide. 
• Plan your own event for WSPD. 
  • Hold conferences, open days, educational seminars, and public lectures. 
  • Hold depression awareness events. 
  • Organise breakfasts, luncheons, and fairs. 
  • Light a candle near your window at 8 p.m.
  • Organise walks to political or public places to highlight suicide prevention. 
• Use the official hashtags. 
  • #WorldSuicidePreventionDay
  • #CreatingHopeThroughAction
  • #WSPD
  • #WSPD2023
  • #BeTheLight

Useful Links/Helplines 

• IASP: The International Association for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal behaviour and to alleviating its effects 
• Shout: Shout provides 24/7, free, compassionate and confidential support over text message (SMS). Text: 85258
• HOPELINE247: CALL 078 6003 9967/ 0800 068 4141 
• CALM Helpline: CALL 0800 58 58 58 
• SAFENET Live Chat: CALL 0300 3033 581 
• HELP – A youth project created by the Victory Youth Group which offers support and HELP needed for young people to stop suffering. CALL: 020 7686 6000 or Whatsapp: 020 7686 6010
• LIST OF RELATED HELPLINES

If you would like to learn more about World Suicide Prevention Day please click here.

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