World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 - creating hope through action
Saturday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Suicide has a massive affect on people across the globe, whether that's experiencing suicidal thoughts first hand or supporting those close to you. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year, and it’s thought up to 135 people are impacted to some degree by each of those losses.
Though everyone has mental health, there are certain factors that make some individuals more prone to mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression. And whilst there is a link between suicide and mental disorders, many suicides happen in moments of crisis, such as relationship breakdowns and financial difficulties.
‘Creating Hope Through Action’
The underlying message around World Suicide Prevention Day has always been that suicide is preventable. For 2022, the day will focus on ‘Creating Hope Through Action’, a theme that aims to explain the importance of taking action, no matter how big or small, to support those who may be suffering.
Advice from The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the hosts of World Suicide Prevention Day, includes taking time to reach out to someone in your community – whether that’s a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger. As their advice suggests, it’s not necessary to provide solutions to those who may need help; simply making the time to listen to someone talk about their experiences is the type of small gesture that can go a long way.
A community you can rely on
ICAS is committed to the wellbeing of our Students, Members and colleagues. ICAS launched its Mental Fitness Pledge in May 2021 and aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental ill-health in business, provide access to resources and see ICAS become a leading voice for promoting mental fitness.
For more information on latest insights on best practices for healthy minds and happy workplaces, the ICAS Finance+ Mental Fitness insight series features varied articles and resources on topics surrounding wellbeing.
ICAS’ Student Assistance Programme also offers a suite of wellbeing resources and a free and confidential support service which you can access by calling 0800 028 3766.
This is all with the aim of building a more inclusive, resilient and healthier network. Earlier this year, Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS Chief Executive shared his thoughts on the road to a healthier and happier new normal and what ICAS is doing to support its community.
How to help someone else
There are a variety of resources available to help you recognise when someone may be in need of help and to assist you when reaching out to someone who is at risk of suicide.
Where to get help yourself
If you need help urgently, you can call the Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or access the Samaritan’s self-help app at Samaritans.org.
Additional resources
