On September 10, 2014, the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) co-sponsors World Suicide Prevention Day. To commemorate this day last year, we joined with the University of Southern California’s Masters in Social Work (MSW@USC) programme to spread awareness and break the taboo surrounding suicide.
This year, Write Tribe and the MSW@USC invite you to participate in the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign.
Around the world, suicide is a major public health problem and is the leading cause of death for young people. Worldwide, nearly one million people succumb to suicide each year, a number that exceeds deaths from war and homicide combined. This year marks the 12th anniversary of World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme “One World Connected.” In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, we hope you’ll participate in as many of these #suicideprevention events as you can.
Write Tribe invites you to post on #suicideprevention and add a link to your post to the linky found at the bottom of this post. Let’s use our voices for suicide prevention today!
Do check out the following. Share the events and find resources for your posts.
- How we can leverage new media and virtual campaigns to raise awareness around Suicide Prevention.
- The 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention Kick-off! Over 45 leading voices in the suicide prevention field have contributed guest posts, podcast interviews, PSA’s, and resources to help raise awareness in honor of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. We ask that you share this project to help promote the work that our collaborators are doing to prevent suicide in their communities.
- Check out the You Matter project to facilitate human connections in order to promote positive mental health. According to the IASP, connectedness is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide. Studies have shown that social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, that having strong human bonds can be protective against it. Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering them support and friendship may be a life-saving act.
- Follow the International Association of Suicide Prevention on Facebook for updates on their WSPD events.
- Forthcoming events -Thursday, September 11, 6pm PT/9pm ET. RSVP here. Friday, September 12: Join us for a #NSPW Follow Friday! Tweet and mention individuals and organizations who you want to recognize as leaders in #suicideprevention and awareness advocacy work.
- Read about #suicideprevention Day activities around the world.
Another thing you can do is:
Light a Candle Near a Window at 8 pm for World Suicide Prevention Day – Share your pictures. Post a picture of your lit candle on Instagram using #wspd #lightacandle. IASP will regram as many as possible.
Let’s blog to make a difference!
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