World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 each year to promote worldwide action to prevent suicides. You may find various events and activities are held during this occasion to raise awareness around suicide as a major preventable cause of premature death.
The causes of suicide are complex and vary significantly from person to person, but it is rarely an outcome of a single day. We can prevent suicide by giving the right support at the right time, but early intervention and support throughout the time a person is struggling is the best method we have to reduce overall harm and unhappiness. We all have within us the potential to create a space where there are many other options to not only seek and get help, but to deflect some of the causes of depression, and anxiety which can lead to suicide and suicidal thoughts.
“LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatised in society.” -The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
LGBT+ People have additional risk factors that make them increasingly vulnerable to negative health outcomes, specifically in relation to their mental health and risk of suicide.
There are things that we know help reduce suicide, some that are applicable across all demographics;
- Ensuring Social Support is Available from Adults and Peers.
- Creating and Participating in Affirming Spaces and Activities.
- Maintaining Policies and Practices that support people living authentically.
But for a day, make sure you have a conversation about your mental health to someone you trust and encourage them to share how they are feeling. The smallest acts of care and acknowledge can make the world feel like a safer place to be for those who may be silently struggling with their mental health. If you have the chance, find space to commit to talking about mental health and wellbeing. Not just today, but everyday.
There is also specialist support available for those who may not be aware. We maintain a list of services that can support where Arcus is unable to: https://arcuslgbt.com/helpful-info-downloads/
With Love, Arcus
