World Suicide Awareness Day is September 10th. Suicide takes 800,000 people’s lives each year. For every life lost, there is an additional 25 attempts, resulting in over 20 million suicide attempts each year, and yet it feels like there is nothing being done for the person we lose every 40 seconds to suicide.
Suicide touches all of our lives. In my own life, I have seen so many people be affected, and had close friends attempt to remove themselves from their potential lives. I always felt a need to do something to prove to these loved ones, who suffer from suicidal thoughts and depression, that they are needed here: For me, for their parents, for their other friends, their siblings, their partner, and their dog. Life is too precious to not try and help those suffering realize they’re needed.
Each year, To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA for short) runs a suicide awareness campaign. This year, their campaign is “stay, find what you were made for” encouraging those suffering to share their stories on why they choose not to end their life, in order to inspire those considering ending their life as well as asking mental health advocates to share their stories on how they’ve been affected and what they wish those suffering from these suicidal thoughts knew. By using the hashtag #Iwasmadefor TWLOHA has sparked a large conversation in communities across the country, and has garnered the attention of celebrities such as soccer play Alex Morgan, actress Debby Ryan, and singer Jon Foreman from Switchfoot. These celebrities join mental heatth advocates in a video reminding people to stay with us for at least one more day.
So what can you do to remind people of their purpose? What can you do to be a helping hand? A friend? An advocate?
To start, you can review some of the signs to tell if someone is suicidal. According to Suicide Prevention Hotline, the following are some of the big warning signs :
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Extreme mood swings
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Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
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Withdrawing or isolating themselves
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Sleeping too little or too much
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Acting anxious, or behaving recklessly
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Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
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Talking about being a burden to others
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Talk about feeling trapped or hopeless
While these aren’t the only signs, starting here can help you have a serious conversation with someone you love.
The next thing you can do is start a conversation in your community. Use your social media as a way to educate those around you about suicide, depression, and other mental illnesses that can lead to suicidal thoughts. Leading an open conversation could be as simple as sharing an article, as long as it gets the word out there, it helps.
Of course from their you can donate to numerous foundations including TWLOHA, participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk, or look into other local organizations and events in your area!
Most important, on September 10th, make sure to be a friend to those in need. You never know when your words, smile, or actions may save a life.
If you or someone you know is suicidal, call the hotline at 1-800-273-8255