Meg Edwards’ Post

SUICIDE! SUICIDE! SUICIDE! 1. More than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year. 2. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. 3. Seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. 4. The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course. 5. For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

Today is World Suicide Prevention day. This is still, unfortunately a seriously under supported problem. We need to get rid of the stigma of mental health, provide support instead of making people scared of seeking help. We particularly need more support for armed forces personnel who we place in harms way, subject them to traumatic incidents and then send them on their way, often with undiagnosed or insufficiently treated mental health problems. Personally, we also need to know more about how to support our friends, family and colleagues, how to recognise symptoms, how and where to sign post them when a problem has been identified. We just need more.

Are you ok? Let's Talk I am here for you You are not alone.. To the ones who has lost a dear one to suicide.. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #UnitedNations #TPD #PsychologicalSupport #PsychosocialSupport #WorkplaceHealth

The stigma associated with suicide must be faced head-on. Employing a strategic toolbox that includes education, awareness, the ability to have open (sometimes difficult) conversations and a non-judgmental support system for bereaved families, may be the catalysts to reducing this stigma.

A Light in the Dark: World Suicide Prevention Day Imagine a world where every person feels seen, valued, and heard. Where the silent battles fought in the mind no longer have to be waged alone. Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s be the light that cuts through the darkness. What can we do? Be a Lighthouse: Someone in your circle might be adrift in rough waters. A simple “I’m here for you” can be their guiding light. Break the Chains: Stigma keeps too many locked in silence. Let’s shatter the shame around mental health conversations—talk openly, listen deeply. Share Your Light: Let others know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. Let’s point people to resources, counselors, and safe spaces. We all walk our paths, and sometimes that path is steep, but no one should walk it alone. Today, let’s be the connection, the understanding, the lifeline someone may desperately need. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealth #HopeInAction #EndTheStigma #TogetherWeHeal

Sometimes, the weight of it all feels like too much, and words don't seem to reach the depths of your feelings, but there's power in speaking your truths, even when it feels impossible. You are not alone. It is okay to say "you are not okay" to a listening ear. You don't have to carry it alone. #Youmatter #Reachout #Staywithus #Mentalhealthtuesday #Metalhealthmatters #World #Europe #Africa #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #endthestigma #anxiety #mindfulness #personalgrowth #daringgreatly #selfcarematters

“The tears stream down my cheeks from my unblinking eyes. What makes me weep so? There is nothing saddening here. Perhaps it is liquefied brain.” _The Unnamable In the context of the #Anthropocene, we are observing the emergence of the "Banality of Evil," characterized by the proliferation of cyber abuse in the forms of bullying and hypocrisy, especially within dominant, destructive, and toxic cultural environments. These experiences can have profoundly harmful effects, potentially leading to unreported and coerced suicides. It is imperative to prompt and decisive action, mainly through mobilizing media, legal bodies, and justice systems, to address the suppression and challenges in such cases. Adhering to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (#UNSDCF) Guiding Principles can develop innovative and empathetic strategies to support accounting for those affected lives, hearing voices, and helping consider their resilience. United Nations World Health Organization #cyberabuse #cyberespionageabuse #suicide #mentalhealth

It's time to break that silence and recognize that talking about mental health and suicide is not just important—it’s essential. Suicide is a heartbreaking reality, but it is preventable. As educators, professionals, leaders, and community members, we have a responsibility to foster environments where mental health is prioritized. This means offering support, listening without judgment, and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive as their healthiest selves. Let's work together to build a culture where mental health is openly discussed, where support is readily available, and where every individual feels valued and empowered. By doing so, we not only help prevent tragedies but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient society.

Every year on September 10th, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day—a reminder of the importance of mental health. But how often do we stop to think about how gender equality, and social inclusion play into this issue? The truth is mental health and suicide aren't one-size-fits-all problems. Gender norms and societal expectations put different pressures on men and women, often making it harder for them to ask for help. For example, many men are expected to "tough it out" and keep their emotions bottled up. Women, on the other hand, face challenges like domestic violence and economic inequality, which can increase stress and feelings of isolation. These issues affect their mental well-being and can even push them toward suicide. If we’re serious about preventing suicide, we need to look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about offering mental health support, but also about creating a world where everyone—regardless of their gender or identity—feels seen, heard, and supported. We need to make sure everyone has equal access to the resources and care they need. Let’s use this day not just to talk about suicide prevention, but also to recognize how deeply it’s connected to GESI issues. By addressing these inequalities, we can help create a safer, more inclusive world where fewer people feel that taking their own life is the only option. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #GenderEquality #SocialInclusion #GESI

Silence can be deadly, but conversations are never! World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), marked each year on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. 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. Let's build a world where hope prevails and every individual feels supported. 😊 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay2024 #10thSeptember2024 #LatePost #MBS #Part3 #PlanetSolace #MentalHealthAwareness