Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. A cause that is deeply personal to me, both professionally and personally. While many organisations and leaders will be sharing statistics and expressing support, I want to offer another perspective. ➡️ Awareness alone isn’t enough to prevent suicide. Suicide isn’t an individual ‘failure’ or ‘problem’. It’s a complex societal issue with a wide range of contributing factors. To make meaningful progress in reducing suicide rates, we must adopt a systems-based approach. As a society, we need: • Greater access to mental health support and resources—especially in regional communities. • Comprehensive mental wellbeing education—beyond feel-good campaigns and box-ticking exercises. • A holistic approach to mental wellbeing that includes both crisis support and the development of skills for flourishing. • Improved access to basic human rights like shelter, good work, food, and financial security. • A commitment to challenging unhealthy behaviours in workplaces, leadership, and communities—and supporting positive change. If all this sounds complex, challenging, and overwhelming, it’s because it is. Preventing suicide doesn’t have a simple solution, and talking about it isn’t enough by itself. So if you’re a workplace or leader posting about World Suicide Prevention Day today, don’t just post for the sake of posting. Instead: ✅ Let today mark the beginning of a deeper journey. ✅ Reflect on the impact your organisation has on employees, clients, and the wider community. ✅ Make a meaningful commitment not just to raise awareness, but to improve mental health accessibility, action, and advocacy within your workplace. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #SupportAndAction #WellbeingAtWork Important: if you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, help is available. Please call lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 (Australia 🇦🇺) or 988 (USA 🇺🇸)
Beautifully and thoughtfully articulated Declan. Thank you for approaching this incredibly important conversation so humanistically x
Great post! If you're in Aotearoa, New Zealand you can text or call 1737 😊
Well said, Declan!
Absolutely!! Mental health needs real action, not just words, let's support each other to make a lasting change. Appreciate the post, Declan Edwards