“Take a Minute, Change a Life”

By Lauren Means

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is recognized on September 10th and this year marks the 15th anniversary of the initiative brought about by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the IASP, each year over 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many people make a suicide attempt. This year’s theme is “Take a Minute, Change a Life.” It is meant to bring about conversations that could save lives. It is about asking people if they are okay, listening when people do need to talk, opening up yourself if someone asks if you are okay, and even sharing your personal story with others.

We never know exactly what someone else is going through. No one will know what you are going through unless you say something. This is exactly why we need to take a minute out of our day and just ask someone how they are doing. Many people do not have someone to talk to or maybe don’t want to “burden” others by talking about their problems but will talk if asked.

You do not have to have the answers. This should not steer you away from these conversations. If you or someone you know is struggling, has opened up about suicidal thoughts, or has made an attempt, there are many resources available to help.

The preceding information was taken from the National Institute on Mental Health