World Suicide Prevention Day is an international awareness day organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The aim of this day is to discourage people from attempting or completing suicide, and to seek help if they are feeling suicide. Please note that there is a separate day for remembering those who have been bereaved by suicide, so that is not marked as part of this day.
The theme for 2023’s day is ‘creating hope through action’ – more information on that is available here. A video created by IASP about the day is available here.
A folder of graphics etc from other organisations is available here.
Language is an important part of suicide prevention, as there is still a lot of stigma surrounding the topic. Research has shown that saying the word ‘suicide’ to someone, for example, asking someone ‘have you been thinking about suicide?’ isn’t going to increase the chances of that person attempting suicide – in fact, it gives the person permission to open up about how they are feeling because it indicates that you are not afraid to talk about it. As a result, using the word suicide when talking to someone can actually help them by breaking down stigma. Similarly, using the term ‘commit suicide’ is stigmatising and outdated, as it likens suicide to a sin. An alternative to that phrase can include ‘died by suicide’.
Suggested actions that people can take generally to play a role in reducing suicide include:
Reaching in to someone that might be having difficulties – checking in on those around us.
Find a comfortable space and time to sit and be present with them. Use open questions and tell them you care about them. You don’t need to have all the answers, so try not to feel pressured. If they share things with you, listen – stay calm, be patient and kind.
Reaching out if you are struggling.
If you are feeling particularly low, sad or hopeless, always remember that sharing things with someone else will help. Reaching out to talk with someone – someone close or even a support organisation – might initially feel frightening.
Even if you can’t find the right words, when you take that first step and start to share and talk about what’s going on for you, things can become clearer. The right words will come, and you will start to feel more hopeful. Resources that might help with this can be found here and here.
Being the light.
Connect with a support or community organisation. Volunteer, help spread their messages and become involved in activities that promote positive mental health and wellbeing or suicide prevention in your community.
Always think about the person and what they might be going through when talking about suicide. Remain compassionate and be respectful of the lives that have been lost, or others who have been bereaved. Remember that people can — and do — get through times of crisis, and that a positive message of recovery, can be protective and hopeful for others to hear. A resource that might help with this can be found here
Increase your awareness.
If someone tells you that they are having thoughts of suicide, try to stay calm and don’t be afraid. Be reassured there are always helpful things you can do and there are training programmes that can help prepare you. Free suicide prevention and awareness programmes are available from the HSE. Information on those training programmes is available here. Please note that we are working to arrange this training for all Welfare Officers in the near future.
There are many sources of help within Ireland for mental health. The first port of call to direct students to could be yourselves in the SU in order to signpost on to other sources of support, as well as on-campus counselling supports. Anyone can visit their GP for mental health problems and either be treated by their GP or referred on to mental health specialists. However, we know that this can involve long wait times, and that being seen privately can be expensive. The NGO sector provides an alternative to this, and it’s important to note that there is no limitation in terms of the number of places a person can seek help at any one time. For example, they can see a counsellor/ their GP AND also engage in a text or phone service. It is advisable that people only attend one therapist at a time unless specifically advised otherwise by a mental health professional, but if someone is waiting to access HSE mental health services, they can avail of some of the free counselling services provided by NGOs. Information on what help is available via the NGO sector is available here.
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