We will be the voice that sings behind you.
The receiving end of a phone call
“no, you are not alone”
“no, you are not broken.”
We will run forward to greet you
and together, we will dance like wild fire
because there is reason to celebrate.
We will be. We will finally be.
We’ll see you tomorrow.
This is the last stanza of poem written by Sierra DeMulder and Tonya Ingram in honor of Word Suicide Prevention Day, which is Saturday, September 10.
Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. The World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year. Every suicide is a tragedy that has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
There is a well-established link between suicide and mental disorders, but many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses.
Suicide is a complex issue, but there are some possible ways to reduce it. One effort is means reduction, which makes it more difficult for a suicidal person to have access to ways to commit suicide. Examples include having higher barriers or nets on bridges.Other efforts include early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders and the training of non-specialized health workers in the assessment of suicidal behavior.
Resources:
https://www.iasp.info/index.php
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs398/en/
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://afsp.org/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
https://twloha.com/blog/world-suicide-prevention-day-well-see-you-tomorrow-video/
