Suicide Prevention Month — Creating Hope through Action.

September is the month of Suicide Prevention Awareness. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day which took place on Friday, 10th September 2021, was ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. In honour of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I wanted to encourage you to reach out to an individual in your community who is struggling. Reaching out to someone could change the course of their life. It could be as simple as phoning them to check how they are, sending them an inspiration text, inviting them for coffee or just letting them know you are thinking of them.

Look out for individuals who are not coping. The warning signs of suicide include hopelessness, rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge, acting reckless or engaging in risky activities — feeling trapped like there’s no way out, increased alcohol or drug use. You don’t need to have all the answers or event the solution to the problem. Just being there for the individual who is struggling to cope, is powerful and can help save lives and help prevent a tragedy. Take time to reach out to someone this week. You may be their only lifeline.