World Suicide Prevention Day

Written by Marissa Ulchaker

September 10, 2020

Every year, September 10th is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is in conjunction with September serving as Suicide Prevention Month to create awareness about the mental health challenges that millions of people face every day. At Apportis, it is our goal for everyone to have access to mental health resources at all times.

The suicide statistics are extremely frightening in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, suicide claimed over 47,000 lives, making it the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. It is sad to see that those numbers have only increased since then. Furthermore, it was shown to be the second leading cause of death among the population age group of 10-34.

The the COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental health awareness and suicide prevention discussions to become even more crucial. The United States is actively working to support the mental health needs of its citizens. Shockingly, the national suicide rates are now at the highest point since World War II. In effort of aiding United States’ citizens, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved “988” to be the official National Suicide Hotline number. The number becomes active on July 16, 2022. Until then, the current hotline number is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Listed below are some tips from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to look after your mental health:

  • Keep informed. Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities.
  • Have a routine. Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.
  • Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed.
  • Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels.
  • Alcohol and drug use. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all.
  • Screen time. Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day.
  • Social media. Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it.
  • Help others. If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as helping them with food shopping.
  • Support health workers. Take opportunities online or through your community to thank your country’s health-care workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19.

We encourage our community to reach out to our company, their loved ones, other mental health advocates, etc. to discuss their mental health needs. There are many resources available to those struggling with mental health disparities. Please remember: Your Life Matters!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *