World Suicide Prevention Day 2014

We live in a world that makes suicide a taboo subject to discuss, a world that believes if we ignore depression and suicide they will no longer be a problem. I believe the longer we ignore depression and suicide, the more of a problem we create,

Today, Wednesday the 10th of September is World Suicide Prevention Day 2014, and I am not alone.

Suicide is something that we as a society don't hear about everyday and that we don't see the aftermath of all the time, but it's a huge issue within our society. Suicide is often seen as an act of a cowardice which I find remarkably ludicrous. I don't see the cowardice in someone feeling like they have no reason to live. Depression and suicidal thoughts and tendencies aren't as easily diagnosed as cancer, or heart disease, but they are as equally life threatening. A lot of people suffering from depression or other illnesses, or situations that lead them to feel suicidal aren't wearing their hurt on their faces every day, part of the suffering is the masking it from the people around you, the fear to tell anyone how you're really feeling.

"What if they laugh at me?" "What if they think I just want attention?" "What if I don't have a reason to be depressed?" "I'm just a bit sad."

These thoughts are what keep sufferers isolated, so I'm here to tell anyone who may be following me, know me, or have any chance to see this, talk to me, tell me, open up to me. I won't laugh at you. Not everyone has a reason to feel depressed, you could have a perfect life and still struggle with suicidal thoughts, you do not have to justify how you are feeling to anyone. These are your emotions, your thoughts and you have every right to think and feel them. Who am I or anyone else to tell you what is worthy of depression?

Anyone can suffer with depression. Below are a few statistics that I pulled from a video called World Suicide Prevention Day 2014 PSA Bullies Keep Out.

• The annual number of youth (ages 10-24) suicides each year - 4,600 people.
• The percentage of youth suicides that include a fire arm - 45%
• The percentage of youth suicides that include suffocation - 40%
• The percentage of youth suicides that include poisoning - 8 %
• The percentage of student graded 9-12 who reportedly seriously considered suicide - 16 %

This is something that has been in the news and most of our hearts recently after the loss of Robin Williams. There are many people suffering with suicidal thoughts every day who don't get this amount of media attention. Robin Williams took his own life because he didn't see the substance in himself that several of us saw in him. Even in his death he has helped millions by spreading awareness about suicide.

Common Misconceptions about suicide.

FALSE: People who talk about suicide won't really do it. 
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," — no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

FALSE: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy. 
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.

FALSE: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them. 
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.

FALSE: People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help. 
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths.

FALSE: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea. 
You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true — bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Smile at everyone, be kind to everyone, strangers and loved ones alike. Take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously, this is a cry for help.

Suicide warning signs.

Talking about suicide	Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again..." and "I'd be better off dead."
Seeking out lethal means	Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Preoccupation with death	Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
No hope for the future	Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.
Self-loathing, self-hatred	Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").
Getting affairs in order	Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
Saying goodbye	Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.
Withdrawing from others	Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
Self-destructive behavior	Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."
Sudden sense of calm	A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide.

Support & helplines:

For suicide prevention tips - http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm

Getting help with suicidal thoughts UK - 

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Suicide/Pages/Getting-help.aspx

Getting help with suicidal thoughts USA - 

http://www.suicide.org/if-you-are-suicidal.html

For information on how to help yourself -

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicidal-feelings/how-can-i-help-myself/#.VBAXovldV1Y

If you would like to know how to get help in your country/area please contact me and I will do whatever I can to find this information for you.

Show your support today by wearing yellow or writing the word love on your wrist, I have.

Today, Wednesday the 10th of September is World Suicide Prevention Day 2014, and you are not alone.