#WSPD15 World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). The day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.

“It’s a subject which is uncomfortable to talk about. It’s a word we shy away from using because of the taboo surrounding the issue. But it’s something we have to keep talking about.”

The statistics on suicide in the UK make chilling reading. Suicide claims the lives of over 5,000 lives in the UK every year. It can affect anyone at anytime. And that’s why it needs to be talked about. Because no one should ever feel helpless or alone – left by themselves to fend off a barrage of negative thoughts.

BBC journalist Simon Jack gave a very moving account of his own father’s suicide in Panorama’s, ‘A Suicide in the family’. Jack’s father took his own life when he was just 44. Now the same age, Jack investigated the circumstances around his dad’s death and why more middle-aged men kill themselves than any other group. He met with men who have overcome suicidal thoughts, including professional sportsmen, who are now trying to help others do the same. You can watch the moving film here.

That’s why we all must do our best to keep the conversation about suicide going. Because the more we talk about it the less chance it has to isolate those who need help.

In past years, over 300 activities in around 70 countries were reported to IASP, including educational and commemorative events, press briefings and conferences, as well as Facebook and Twitter coverage.

Support the twitter campaign #WSPD15.

If you have concerns yourself, or for a loved one, please call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or visit NHS Choices pages that are there to support you.