We're lost for words.

But let's start the conversation.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Tuesday September 3rd, 2024 (One Week Before WSPD) - Joshua Dickerson

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

A week today will be the 10th of September. This has always been a special day for our family.

 

It was, and very much still is my mum’s birthday. But over the past few years it has taken on another meaning for me, as it also officially marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

Over the last few years, I have actively decided to talk about suicide to help break the stigma around it, sharing my thoughts on mindmiles.co.uk.


Even at times when I felt like I had nothing I could write, I’ve always felt it’s been important to start a conversation that might positively impact someone reading what I had to say since my mum took her own life.


Start the conversation

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation".

This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.

The theme builds upon previous years around connecting with nature and I’ve included links throughout this article to stories I’ve shared below that all have resources that might be of use in aiding your understanding around suicide.

Listen to understand, not to respond.

What am I getting at with this? 

Basically, don’t be afraid to start a conversation about suicide. You don’t need to have the answers or the solutions to their problems. You just need to be there.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask twice; double-check with a friend that they really are okay.

If from that conversation you are worried about someone. Then there are plenty of resources online to help signpost someone relevant to your situation.

What can we do?

So, as with previous years, it may have been easier for me not to say anything at all today, and it may be difficult for you to read some of this.

But as we continue to have this conversation, I hope that it makes it that little bit easier for someone to talk about suicide that needs to.

Now it’s your turn. Is there someone in your life that you need to double-check with?

Thank you. 

If you want to read more about my story, find out what I’ll be up to, or donate to HEY Mind, then please go to the donation page here.


Happy Birthday Mum. 💙