People who are suicidal, may fee 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…
By creating HOPE through ACTION, we can SIGNAL to people experiencing SUICIDAL thoughts that there is HOPE and that we CARE and want to SUPPORT them…
7,03,000 people die by Suicide worldwide, each year
Over 1 in every 100 Deaths (1.3%) in 2019 were the result of Suicide.
Creating HOPE through ACTION is a reminder that there is an alternative to SUICIDE…
All our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide HOPE to those who are STRUGGLING…
Preventing SUICIDE is often possible and we can be a key player in its prevention…
Through ACTION, we can make a difference to someone in their DARKEST MOMENTS…
We can ALL play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide…
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The GLOBAL SUICIDE RATE is over TWICE as HIGH among MEN than WOMEN
Men account for three-quarters of deaths by suicide in many countries.
Whilst the pathway to suicide for each individual is unique, there are some common risk factors that have been shown to contribute to the higher suicide rate among men.
These risk factors include
the use of more lethal means,
reduced help-seeking,
harmful substance use,
social disconnection,
conformity to some masculine norms, and
stressful life events such as unemployment and relationship breakdown.
Some groups of men are at more risk than others, such as
Indigenous men,
men of diverse gender and sexual orientation, and
men in some occupations.
There is evidence that when men do seek help, the help they receive does not always meet their needs. Suicide prevention interventions are needed that are mindful of the gendered context of suicide for boys and men. These interventions could work to bolster protective factors, such as social connection and help-seeking, reduce risk factors, such as substance use, and also support men through stressful life events. Services should strive to engage men and work with them in a gender sensitive way
People with a lived experience of suicide bring unique insights, wisdom and perspectives, critical to informing and shaping the development of best practice approaches to suicide prevention.
LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SUICIDE IS DEFINED AS having experienced suicidal thoughts, made a suicide attempt, cared for a loved one through suicidal crisis or been bereaved through suicide.
Integrating and partnering with people with lived experience of suicide will lead us to genuine system reform and save lives.
Lived Experience of suicide organisations and movements vary in their development and maturity around the world. As more people are encouraged to share their insights, we can see innovation and transformation in the ways we approach saving lives.
Suicide remains illegal in over 20 countries, while people who engage in suicidal behavior may be punished in some countries that follow Sharia Law, involving legal penalties that range from small fine or short prison sentence to life imprisonment.
Suicide prevention is a global challenge.
Suicide ranks consistently among the top 20 causes of death globally across all age
According to the International Labour Organization, 57% of global citizens 15 years and older are employed, meaning we often spend more waking time working each week than we do with our families.
Therefore, our workplaces hold a huge potential to provide a supportive structure for our mental health.
Co-workers are often in a position not only to notice changes in the behaviour or mood of someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, they are often trusted peers who can make a life-saving difference by supporting their colleague and being a bridge to helpful resources. Furthermore, a co-worker’s suicide death leaves a lasting impact that few managers are prepared to respond to.
Media portrayals of SUICIDE & SUICIDE PREVENTION impact others
Sensational media reports about suicides can trigger additional suicides, known as the so-called Werther effect.
Media collaborations need to be established to prevent sensational portrayals of individual suicides including suicides by celebrities.
Stories featuring individuals who have managed to cope with suicidal ideation, or who have coped with bereavement from suicide, can reduce suicidal ideation and potentially suicide, among others exposed to the stories.
SUICIDAL thoughts are COMPLEX
What we can look out for…
Anxiety & Depression
Increased Alcohol or Drug Use
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Reckless Behavior
Rage
Hopelessness
Dramatic Mood Changes
Withdrawal
Preventive Factors we can engage with..
Community Support & Connection
Restricting Means to Suicide
Local Education
Responsible, Sympathetic Media Portrayals
Awareness of SUICIDE
An individual Suffering with DEPRESSION is 20 times more likely to DIE by suicide than someone without the DISORDER…
Over half (58%) of all DEATHS by SUICIDE occur before the age of 50…
Empathy, Compassion, Genuine Concern, Knowledge of Resources and a Desire to HELP are key to preventing a SUICIDE
do take time to reach out to someone in your community….
There is an alternative to SUICIDE...