September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Little Blog of Letting Go, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health organization (WHO) are encouraging people to light a candle near a window at 8 PM to show support for suicide prevention, to remember a loved one lost through suicide, and for the survivors of suicide.
Lighting a Candle near a Window at 8 PM offers people who cannot participate in a World Suicide Prevention Day event the opportunity to observe the Day in a private and personal way. Visit the official website here: IASP – World Suicide Prevention Day
The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day this year is “Stigma: A Major Barrier to suicide Prevention.” Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world, especially among young people. Nearly one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined. These staggering figures do not include nonfatal suicide attempts which occur much more frequently than deaths by suicide.
A large proportion of people who die by suicide suffer from mental illness. Recent estimates suggest that the disease burden caused by mental illnesses will account for 25% of the total disease burden in the world in the next two decades, making it the most important category of ill-health (more important than cancer or heart diseases.) Yet a significant number of those with mental illnesses who die by suicide do not contact health or social services near the time of their death. In many instances there are insufficient services available to assist those in need at times of crisis. This lack of access to appropriate care is one of the many factors that magnify the stigma associated with mental illness and with suicidal ideation and behaviour. This type of stigma is deeply rooted in most societies.
IASP has prepared special Light a Candle near a Window at 8 PM postcards or e-cards in various languages so supporters can send these reminders to friends, colleagues and loved ones. Also, these postcards can be used by bloggers, writers and others so that they can share information about suicide, suicide prevention and World Suicide Prevention Day. Postcards can be downloaded from the IASP Web site at http://tinyurl.com/6opnzus.
This blog is dedicated to suicide prevention and grief support. It is also working toward eliminating the stigma of mental illness. If you or someone you love is in crises, help is available 24/7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Please check my Resources/Support page for International Crises lines and additional help.
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Filed under: Quotes, Suicide Prevention Tagged: bereavement, Death, Depression, grief, Happiness, Health, Mental health, mental illness, Self-harm, Suicide, suicide prevention, World Health Organization, world suicide prevention day