World Suicide Prevention Day.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and during September 9 – 15, TWLOHA is participating in National Suicide Prevention Week. We asked you to join us by answering some key questions in our NSPW survey. These are questions we believe can guide the conversation about suicide and depression—not only this week, but year-round. For each day of NSPW, we’ll be sharing a new question and some of the responses we’ve received.

Global suicide rates have increased by 60 percent in the last 45 years—but those numbers can change. So, tell us…

WHY IS SUICIDE PREVENTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?

“It’s important to me for many reasons; because I believe every life matters, because I have empathy for anyone who feels suicide is the only solution, and because I believe in futures.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because as a college student, I know that my fellow students are greatly at risk for depression and thoughts of suicide. I would be devastated to lose a single person.”

“My daughter died by suicide, and I would like to help save other families from this heartbreak.” – Elaine, 61

“It’s not only about preventing suicide, but also helping with depression and self-harm. The best way to prevent suicide is to treat the things that cause it.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because if we don’t work together to make this stop, it will continue to rise and others will continue to get hurt.”

“I want other people to know there’s hope—for every dark night, there’s a morning just a few hours away.” - Courtney, 20

“It’s important because it helps us all remind people that they are not alone.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because people need help. Some are too afraid, some are ashamed, some are hurting. We need to remind people that they deserve to live and the pain they feel is only temporary. Everyone deserves another day.” – April, 29

“I believe that life is a gift, and that everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest. Preventing suicide will give everyone the opportunity to experience the greatness of their gift and share their unique talents with the world.”

“Because I believe there is hope and it’s my job to share it. I’ve been in those dark places where I didn’t know if I would make it out. I don’t know what I would have done had there not been people who shared their hope with me.” – Megan, 23

“Suicide prevention is important to me because I am alive because of people who cared enough to make sure I was okay.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because all over the world we lose people daily to something that is preventable. Whether it’s a mom, dad, brother, sister, or friend, it affects everyone. We need to make the numbers smaller.”

“I was suicidal at one point. I never really had people there for me. It wasn’t until I met my teacher, who saved my life the day before I was going to overdose.” - Alejandra, 16

“Because there was a time when I was suicidal, and it’s important for anyone considering it to know, coming from someone who really knows what it feels like to be in their shoes, that it really is possible to get better.”

“I believe every life is important and worth living. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of that, so we need to make sure people know there is hope and help and that people care deeply about them.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because I believe that anyone, whether old or young, should not have to lose their life purposely.” - Madalin, 14

“I am in the health care field as a paramedic, and from that perspective alone, I have seen families and friends completely and utterly devastated by suicide. From a personal level, my brother suffered from heart conditions his entire life until he passed away at 17. He fought so hard to live a life riddled with pain and suffering, but he found joy. I feel a need to bring the joy he was able to find to others, there is always a reason to keep going.”

“Suicide prevention is so important to me because my fiancé committed suicide last October. I believe his death was preventable and his life was important.”

“Suicide prevention is important to me because it is something that IS preventable if we all would just acknowledge that it is prevalent.”

“I think suicide prevention is important because together we can make people see that they are important. We can give other people the strength and hope they need so they will not take their own lives.” - Simeonette, 13

“It is important to me because I believe life is the most beautiful gift one could receive, and I want everyone to feel the same way.” – Sam

“I’m ready to take a stand for our community to show people that everyone’s life has a purpose.” 

“Suicide prevention is important to me because I feel that not many people understand how many young people struggle with it. The world needs to know how real this is.” – Erin, 16

“Suicide prevention is important to me because too many people suffer in silence.”

“I had a cousin who recently passed away at the age of 21 from cancer. When she was 15 years old she attempted suicide. If she had completed successfully, we would not have had these last 6 beautiful years with her.”

“Because I was in that place once, and no one helped me, and it took a lot to get out of it. I want to help those who may not have anyone to help them.”

“It’s important to me because personally I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts and dysthymia ever since I was 11.” - Sylvie, 16

“Life deserves to be lived, and I want to be a part of sharing the message of life, and encouraging people to know their value.”

“I lost my younger brother to suicide three years ago. He was 28 years old, married, with 3 boys, ages 5, 3, and 7 weeks. It devastated them as well as me. I do not want anyone else to suffer the loss or the aftermath of suicide.” - Stephanie, 34

“I want to realize just how big and consuming a matter suicide is, and that it certainly deserves its own week, even though many people don’t realize it.”

Join the conversation for World Suicide Prevention Day. Tell us why suicide prevention is important to you using the hashtags #NSPW12 and #WSPD12. Learn more about NSPW and follow TWLOHA to see how others are participating.