World Suicide Prevention Day

Every year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed to unite us all in raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding suicide. It’s an opportunity for promoting mental health care and support. Far too many people each year reach a point where they can see no other way forward, leaving a trail of loss and devastation behind them.

We all have a role to play in breaking the silence and stigma, and in showing others that they are loved and cared for and that there is hope. Every conversation, message, call, gesture or act of kindness has the power to change, and even save, a life.

When someone is suffering and in turmoil, they can feel isolated and alone with their thoughts and feelings. They may feel like a burden and not feel worthy of someone else’s time. That’s why we all need to be proactive in reaching out to others, checking in and investing a few minutes of time. As well, we can all continue promoting the help and support that is there and that can make all the difference for someone in emotional or psychological pain.

According to the World Health Organisation, more that 700,000 people die by suicide each year.  Behind these numbers is a name, a person, a story and a life tragically cut short. Suicide affects the individual and the tragedy reaches to families, friends, colleagues and communities.

World Suicide Prevention Day is our opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma about talking about mental health and suicidal thoughts and to encourage others to seek help and be able to find it.

If you are struggling with your mental health and need some support then do call the NHS 111 number immediately to get support. There is more information here: NHS Mental Health Services. You can also reach the Samaritans on 116 123. Most importantly, please do reach out and talk to someone right now.

Suicide Prevention

One of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention is open, judgement free, conversation. When someone feels low, broken and hopeless, they may not reach out. They feel lost in their negative thoughts and feelings. Just checking in and asking someone if they are okay, or if they want to talk, can be the small act that has big, life changing, consequences. Giving someone support, time and your attention creates the opportunity for interrupting the dark thoughts they have been experiencing.

Within our busy lives, we can all show up, listen and remind someone that they are not alone.

When my marriage came to an end, I was sadly subjected to a sustained campaign of post separation abuse, harassment and threats. It was relentless. Every word I said and everything I did was watched, twisted and used against me. Worst of all, my children were used as legal pawns to try and force me to concede within the family court. There were also those who sadly joined in and enabled the the abuse that was directed towards me. It was the most difficult time I can remember having to endure and went on for months and months (and to some extent the anger and controlling behaviour continues even now).

The relentless and vicious attacks against me took their toll at times. It was like an emotional pain that I couldn’t escape from. There were times when my thoughts went to very dark places as I wondered whether I could continue to withstand the abuse and what sort of future may be left for me. Luckily I know many ways to manage thoughts and emotions that I called upon to get me through this period of my life. I’ve written before how we are all stronger and more resilient than we even know and I’m pleased to say that I’ve moved way, way beyond that period now and into far happier times.

There is no doubt in my mind that those who reached out to me, asked me how I was, or just listened to the unfolding abuse, played a huge role in allowing me to cope with everything being directed at me. Just talking about things, without being judged, and knowing there were those who had my back, played a huge part in my recovery (thank you all!).

If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help. There are more people who care about you than you even realise. Reaching out is a strength and a sign of your inner resilience.

World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that human connections bring hope. In understanding and showing up for others, you can help them to face their darkest moments and to help them to come through them into a place of healing, happiness and purpose that, right now, they have lost hope of ever finding. Let us all keep the importance of mental health and mental health support at the forefront of our minds. You are not alone, help is available. Please reach out and allow others to reach in to you.

With love,

Dan Regan

Hypnotherapist in Ely & Newmarket

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