Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, which is sparking awareness about the very real tragedy that happens every day.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a recognized day of awareness since 2003, celebrated annually on Sept. 10. The day is significant because it's part of the World Health Organization's plan of reducing suicide rates by 20 percent by 2020, according to the World Suicide Prevention Day site.
"Over 2,000 times per day someone takes their own life," reports Psych Central. "Can you imagine? If Ebola took 2,000 people's lives per day, we'd hear a world outcry and an immediate call to action. But since it's just suicide, we turn a blind eye. We go on with our merry lives, and pretend it couldn't happen to us. It couldn't possibly happen to someone we know."
This day brings light to the issue that affects people around the world.
Some communities are holding events today to bring awareness to the event. Others observe this day by discussing and learning more about the issue.
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, Healthline released a list of common warning signs that a loved one may be contemplating suicide:
- threatening to or talking about hurting or killing oneself
- looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, pills, or other means
- talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary
- increased alcohol or drug use
- no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
- anxiety, agitation, changes in sleep patterns
- feeling trapped like there's no way out
- hopelessness
- withdrawal from friends, family, and society
- rage, uncontrolled anger, or revenge seeking
- acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- dramatic mood changes
If you feel that a loved one may be considering suicide, contact a mental health professional or call 1-800-273-TALK immediately.
