Breaking the Silence About Mental Health on World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is recognized on September 10th each year. This day was established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (ISAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003. World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the need to have open conversations about mental health issues and the role we all play in preventing suicide. It also brings awareness to the global impact of the mental health crisis.

The Jimmy Rane Foundation would like to take today to acknowledge mental health and share how people can make a huge difference in breaking the barriers of mental health awareness not only on World Suicide Prevention Day but every day.

Why World Suicide Prevention Matters

Suicide claims the lives of over 720,000 people globally each year, according to the WHO. Please note that number doesn’t account for the many people who have attempted suicide. That figure alone is enough evidence that suicide prevention and mental health treatment must be prioritized to resolve this major global crisis.

Please read the graphic below created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. This graphic was created to share on World Suicide Prevention Day and details various global statistics about suicide.

Often, people can find it difficult to address mental health issues, whether they’re struggling themselves or know someone who is struggling, because of the stigmas surrounding various mental health topics. On World Suicide Prevention Day, the JRF would like to share some essential resources and facts about suicide prevention and mental health that can be utilized not only today but every day.

Changing the narrative on suicide

The International Association for Suicide Prevention has declared “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 – 2026. This is because stigmas around the topic have delayed progress in understanding and being proactive about mental health issues worldwide. Changing the narrative of this global issue starts with an individual changing the way they think and talk about suicide and other mental health-related issues.

The IASP calls for people to “Start the Conversation” about suicide prevention. Whether this means providing support to someone you know who is struggling, advocating for policies that prioritize mental health resolutions and suicide prevention, or taking time to learn about these issues to gain a better understanding, the IASP states that we can all play a role in starting the conversation and changing the narrative of mental health.

SUPPORTING YOUTH MENTAL WELL-BEING

The Jimmy Rane Foundation believes supporting youth mental well-being is essential. According to the WHO, the 15-29-year-old age group is highly susceptible to mental health struggles, with suicide being the 4th leading cause of death among that group.

As a Foundation that supports young individuals during their collegiate journeys, the JRF recognizes that stress is a common emotion college-aged youth feel. While college is an exciting chapter, it also presents challenges. Balancing campus involvement, adjusting to a new social life, navigating various student resources, settling into a new living environment, and prioritizing educational commitments are just a few of the many stress-inducing transitions one can experience when attending college.  

The “Protecting Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory” lists various steps youth can take to protect and improve their mental health. Please continue reading a few of the steps that were reported:  

• REALIZE THAT MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ARE SHARED.

  • It’s easy to feel alone when you’re struggling with mental health-related struggles. However, that’s far from the truth. The World Health Organization states that one out of seven 10-19-year-olds have a mental disorder. Many factors outside of an individual’s control can shape their mental health

• ASK FOR HELP.

  • While it can be hard to open up about mental health struggles, sometimes it makes a world of difference. Whether it’s a caregiver, mental health professional, or school counselor, speaking up about your struggles with someone you trust and know will take them seriously is important. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit your mental struggles to someone. Don’t go through your battle alone.

• CHOOSE WISELY HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME ONLINE.

  • Mass media communication can skew the perception many have of the world and others. If you find that social media or other mass media communication methods leave you with more negative than positive emotions, try shifting your focus. There are endless online resources that can be more fulfilling to someone, whether you’re learning more about a subject, improving a skill, or picking up a new hobby!

TOGETHER, WE CAN “CHANGE THE NARRATIVE”

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we must not only acknowledge the devasting toll of suicide but also commit to taking meaningful action. It’s our collective responsibility to be the change, support those struggling, and build a future where no one feels alone in their darkest moments. Together, we can break the silence and change the narrative around suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please take immediate action by utilizing the resources below.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You should call this number if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

• Stopbullying.gov: Stopbullying.gov is a resource provided by US government agencies that shares information on bullying topics. Utilize this resource to learn more about bullying, who is at risk, and the best ways to respond when in a hostile environment.

• International Association for Suicide Prevention: The International Association for Suicide Prevention is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior, to alleviate its effects, and to provide a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers, and lived experience” (IASP, Our Mission 2024). Please take the time to read the IASPs Campaign Pack for World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Jimmy Rane Foundation believes that no one should have to walk their battle alone. We hope this message supports anyone who may be struggling and that it may spark compassionate conversations that will help change the narrative of this crisis that affects over 700,000 people worldwide.