On this date, various people and organizations come together locally, regionally, and globally to spread the word about the importance of this critical human health issue. Citizens emphasize the significance of the tragic epidemic of suicide and spread awareness about the importance of mental health treatment. To learn how to celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day or enroll in our depression treatment program, please call Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
A Critical Day to Focus on Suicide Prevention
World Suicide Day is September 10th. It’s critical to remember this day and tell the stories of those who lost their lives to suicide. They can then create new strategies to reduce the number of future lives lost. Many events and activities occur on World Suicide Prevention Day each year, such as:
- Meetings and workshops regarding the importance of suicide prevention
- Large scale discussions of new policy and strategy implementation that address suicide prevention
- Targeted media releases that emphasize the severity of the suicide health crisis
- Memorials remembering those who lost their struggle with mental illness and committed suicide
Many resources are available online and in print related to World Suicide Day, especially around this time. Staying informed about suicide is a crucial way to learn how to prevent it. It’s necessary to recognize if a friend or loved one is at risk and know how you can best help them.
Ways to Help End the Stigma of Mental Health Treatment
One of the main goals of World Suicide Prevention Day, as released through official statements, is to raise awareness concerning suicidal behaviors. As people learn more about how to identify suicidal tendencies, they can also learn how to prevent them effectively. A few of the specific goals of World Suicide Day are:
- Further educating young people about suicide risks and suicide prevention
- Providing citizens resources to reach out to in a mental health crisis and establishing support groups for depression or suicidal thoughts to help those struggling
- General promotion of suicide awareness- through statistical information, personal stories, and recognition of the importance of mental health treatment
- Reducing the lingering stigma surrounding mental health treatment through the dissemination of truthful information
It’s essential to learn ways to end the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health concerns. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take.
Learn
Seek out resources on mental health treatment issues and be aware of the importance of suicide prevention. Your knowledge in these areas could potentially nudge someone on the fence about seeking mental health treatment to do so. One of the most important things to know about suicide prevention, in particular, are the warning signs of suicide, which include the following :
- Social isolation or withdrawal
- Talking about or fantasizing about death or suicide
- Mentioning feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Expressing views that the world would be better without them in it
- Increased drug and alcohol abuse
- Risky, self-destructive behaviors
- Dramatic mood change
- Self-harm
All of the above signs are also signs of an untreated mental health condition. In the worst cases, the consequence of not receiving prompt and adequate mental health treatment is suicide.
Connect
Reach out to others who may need help. Look for signs that someone is struggling around you. Due to the stigma surrounding mental health, many people are afraid to ask for help or admit suffering. Compassionately speak to family and friends about mental health treatment options and let them know they are not alone.
Communicate
Look for chances to correct the erroneous view that mental health treatment does not matter or that certain people should not seek treatment. Unfortunately, stereotypes persist that people should not talk about their emotions or address their mental health concerns. Some people even spread false information that specific mental health conditions are a widespread delusion. Everyone has an opinion, but you can make your view known and hopefully help some people see the issue in a different light through healthy discourse. Use your knowledge and compassion to advocate for others’ rights to mental health treatment whenever you can.
Seek Mental Health Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
Contact a suicide prevention hotline immediately if you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts. If someone is suicidal, be there for them, and stay with them while waiting for help. Serious suicidal thoughts are a mental health emergency requiring immediate attention. After receiving support, continue to follow up with them to see how they are doing. Mental health treatment is one of the most important aspects of suicide prevention. If you or a loved one is seeking mental health treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
