SEPTEMBER is Suicide Prevention Month while September 10 is Suicide Prevention Day. For mental health advocates, suicide prevention is something we should do every day. However, it is not just for mental health advocates, suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
All of us should be concerned about this. The World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention has reported that over 800,000 people die from suicide every year worldwide. That means, one death in every 40 seconds. This is alarming.
Here are more facts and figures shared by these organizations:
u2022 The number of lives lost each year due to suicide exceeds the number of death due to homicide and war combined
u2022 Suicide is the 15th leading cause of death globally. It is highest for people 70 years old and above. It is 5th leading cause of death among those aged 30-49 years old in 2012 and 2nd leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group also in 2012 worldwide.
u2022 It is estimated that in 2012, for each adult who died of suicide, there were over 20 others who made suicide attempts
u2022 Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved
u2022 The strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt
u2022 Having a mental disorder (like depression and substance abuse disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide. Impulsivity can also play an important role, especially after a life crisis
u2022 In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, bereavement or loss, and isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior
u2022 Suicide rates are elevated amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex (LGBTI) persons and prisoners
u2022 Connect. Communicate. Care. These three words symbolize the heart of suicide prevention (please refer to my article published on September 2).
We can all make a difference. Let us be each one’s guardian. Let us reach out to others who need us. Give them hope. Tell them they are not alone. We must not laugh at them. Let us help them. Remember, they are not being selfish. They just feel disconnected and lost.
I am also happy to learn that the Department of Health (DOH) together with Natasha Goulborn Foundation officially opened the Hopeline Project on September. Hopeline is a phone-based counseling service available 24/7 to any individual who suffer from crisis and depression.
For now, Hopeline hotlines may be reached 24/7 at these numbers: (02) 804-Hope (4673); 0917558-Hope (2919) and 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).
Let us save a life together!