Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay
An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world.

For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.

#BeTheLight and prevent suicide.

We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.
We can all encourage understanding about the issue, Let's create hope through action and #BeTheLight bit.ly/2lGXO5a

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention

Who may be at risk of suicide:
🔹Someone who's tried to take their own life before
🔹People with depression/emotional distress, socially isolated or living with chronic pain/illness
🔹Someone with alcohol or drug problems
🔹Violence, abuse survivors

#SuicidePrevention

If you're worried that someone is at risk of suicide, here's what you can do:
💙 Talk to them about how they're feeling
💙 Encourage them to seek professional help
💙 Check in with them regularly

#BeTheLight #SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

If you're worried that someone is risk of suicide, here's what you can do:
💙 If they live with you, remove access to all means of self-harm
💙 If they're in immediate danger, contact the emergency services & don't leave them alone

#SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

If you think someone may be considering suicide, remember:
🔸Many people think about suicide at some point in their lives
🔸Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are signs of severe emotional distress - not weakness
🔸It is possible to get better

#SuicidePrevention

These are warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide:
🔶 Severe mood changes
🔶 Social withdrawal
🔶 Expressing thoughts or plans about ending their life

#SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

These are warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide:
🔶 Saying goodbye to close family and friends
🔶 Saying things like: "No-one will miss me when I'm gone."
🔶 Giving away valued possessions

#SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Are you experiencing any of the following?
✅ Pain that seems overwhelming & unbearable
✅ Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
✅ Loneliness
✅ Constant negative thoughts
✅ Difficulty imagining any way to deal with your problems other than suicide

You are not alone💚

If you're having suicidal thoughts, this is what you need to know:
💚 You are not alone
💚 Many people have gone through what you're experiencing and have found help
💚 It's OK to talk about suicide

#SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

If you're having suicidal thoughts, this is what you need to know:
💚 Thinking about #suicide or self-harm is a sign of severe emotional distress - it is not a weakness
💚 You can get better

#SuicidePrevention #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

If you are having suicidal thoughts:
💚 Talk to someone you trust
💚 Talk to a health worker, counsellor or social worker
💚 Join a support group
💚 If you think you're in immediate danger or harming yourself, contact the emergency services or a crisis line

#SuicidePrevention