The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Take a Minute, Change a Life’.
Highlights:
- The World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated on the 10th of September every year
- The theme this year is: Take a Minute, Change a Life
- You could save a life if you reach out to others in your community who may need your help
Many people who had attempted suicide in the past have described their feelings going up to the suicide, and their earnest wish that someone would prevent them from doing so. People who commit suicide do wish for an alternative, but take the step out of complete desperation. This is in contrast to the myth that people who wish to commit suicide will not turn back.
The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Take a Minute, Change a Life’. With this theme, members of the community are urged to reach out to those who need their help and spend some time listening to them. People who live alone in a community are extremely vulnerable. There is a high chance that the simple step could defer someone from taking the ultimate step.
Some of those who attempt suicide, do not live in isolation – they are a part of a family and a network of friends, often on social media. And yet, they are alone in the crowd since no one has time to sit and talk to them and find out what they are going through. We, as responsible members of the community, should make sure that we spare some time to be with them and help them out of their problems.
If someone drops a word on their wish to commit suicide, expresses a feeling of hopelessness with nothing to look forward to, appears withdrawn or gives some other indication of a possible suicide attempt, do not ignore it even if it appears to be a joke. It could be a veiled plea for help! You may feel apprehensive about intruding in another person’s life, especially if you do not know the person well. But the fact that you have shown concern could be the turning point in the person’s life.
The IASP has organized the Cycle Around the Globe campaign to increase the awareness about suicide. As a member of the community, you could take part in it and pledge to take a minute to reach out to someone who may need you!
If you are suffering from a condition like depression, you could feel that everything around you is not going as per your wishes. Depression is a treatable condition, and once your mind starts working in the right direction, you will find there is much to be happy about.
Several suicide survivors today work to prevent suicide. If they could pass through the tough times and be happy today, so can you! You should not be alone during the times when you are feeing down, it does not matter to whom you reach out to – it could be someone you are close to, or someone who is unknown to you like a mental health counselor or a volunteer. Helplines and online chats are available to help you out of the situation.
Once the crisis passes away, it is important to take steps to make sure that it does not recur. Avoid being alone. Take time out to meet your friends and family. Though work is important, make sure that you also spend time doing things that you enjoy. Spend time outdoors. Take time to achieve your personal goals, things that will give you a sense of fulfillment. Regular exercise will not only keep you fit, but also improve your mood. A healthy diet and adequate sleep at night will also keep you healthy and happy.
If you go into thoughts that are likely to depress you, thinking of the same things again will reinforce the thoughts. Break the cycle by thinking or doing something else that is pleasant.
A suicide is a permanent step with no turning back. Therefore, if you suffer from suicidal thoughts, give others a chance to help you out of it, support you and help you to lead a wonderful life that you could be missing!
Source-Medindia