Taken from :International Association for Suicide Prevention(HTTPS://WWW.IASP.INFO/)
September 10th is a day set apart by the International Association for Suicide Prevention as World Suicide Prevention Day. This day began in 2003, to be a world action of prevention and awareness in community and country.
Stats indicate there are 3000 completed suicides a day world wide and 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. 1 million completed suicides a year worldwide. That is 1 million too many.
It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well- informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world. By recognizing this day set aside, raises awareness, and will promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.
‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, do matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention. Through action you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society , as a child, a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or neighbor. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.
Suicidal thoughts are complex. The factors and causes that lead to suicide are complex and many. No single approach works for everyone. What we do know is that there are certain factors and life events that may make someone more vulnerable to suicide and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can also be a contributing factor. People who are suicidal may feel trapped or like a burden to their friends, family and those around them and thus feel like they are alone and have no other options. The COVID -19 Pandemic has contributed to increased feelings of isolation and vulnerability. By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thought that there is hope and that we care and want to support them.
REACH IN - You can help give hope by showing that you care. All of us can play a role, no matter how small. We may never know what we do that makes a difference. We all can reach in and ask somebody. You do not need to tell them what to do or have solutions, but simply making the time and space to listen to someone about their experiences of distress and suicidal thoughts can help. Small talk can save lives and create a sense of connection and hope in somebody who may be struggling.
ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING – Stigma is a main barrier to help-seeking. Changing the narrative around suicide through the promotion of hope can create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help. We can all do something to live in a world where suicide is recognized and we can all do something to help prevent it.
SHARE EXPEREINCES – The insights and stories of people with a lived experience of suicide.
Personal stories of an individual’s experiences of significant emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or attempt, and their experiences of recovery can inspire hope in others that they too can move through the period of distress or crisis and their insights can help others understand what it means to feel suicidal and how they can support others. In sharing, the person sharing their story knows how to do so in a way that is safe for them and for those who hear their story. For individuals sharing experiences of being bereaved through suicide and how they came to live their ‘new normal’, can help others experiencing suicidal loss make sense of the devastation of suicide and believe they will be able to live through and with the loss.
By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain.
YOU CAN BE A LIGHT!
Take part in the Suicide Walk of Remembrance Sept. 11th at Bud Miller Park
Contact Neil at 780-872-9594 or Shirley at 780-846-2576 or 780-871-1750
OR
Wainwright Suicide Walk of Remembrance Sept. 10th at Wallace Park
Contact Kendra at 780-842-2555 or Shirley at 780-846-2576 or 780-871-1750
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THERE IS HOPE !
Submitted by : Walking Through Grief society : Shirley at 780-846-2576 / 780-871-1750
Supported by; FCSS City of Lloydminster, Towns of Wainwright and Vermilion, Villages of Kitscoty and Marwayne and County of Vermilion River.
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