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Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, with conversations online surrounding ways to help those struggling with suicide ideation. On September 10th every year, organisations and communities come together to focus on specific aspects of suicide prevention with 2021’s theme being ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ - which aims to empower people with the confidence to engage with the complexity of ‘hope’, according to Samaritans.
‘The latest suicides statistics showed that in 2018, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, more than 6,800 people died by suicide,’ their website reads. ‘Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and we know that suicide is preventable, it’s not inevitable. But not being okay is still widely stigmatised. And governments can still make better, more ambitious plans to prevent suicide.’
As well as urging the government for more urgency in encouraging suicide prevention, Samaritans are asking people to share online what they do to feel hopeful when going through a difficult time. If you need more information on suggested social posts and tips to remain hopeful, you can visit their website here.
But there’s also an incredibly heart-warming trend already emerging online for suicide prevention day, particularly on TikTok. In the US, September is suicide prevention month, with many TikTok users now creating videos to showcase their experience of suicide ideation and most importantly, what they would’ve missed in life had their attempt at suicide not been prevented.
In one video with over one million views and near 500,000 likes, user @megannha posted a video titled ‘some things I would’ve missed if I died last year’ followed by a series of clips of her with friends, in school and travelling the world.
Others have since followed suit in some incredibly emotional videos that showcase those struggling with suicide ideation going on to get married, graduate and find joy in all parts of life after their life was saved.
The trend is proving powerful with other users, most videos flooded with comments like ‘You just made me realise all of the things I would’ve missed’ and ‘This changed my perspective’. In attempting to romanticise life, it appears that the viral videos in honour of suicide prevention are playing their part in exactly that.
HOW TO GET HELP
Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans. org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch, where you can talk to a trained volunteer face to face.
Read More:
Much More Needs To Be Done To Understand Why Young Women Are Taking Their Own Lives
Scarlett Moffatt: ‘I’ve Had To Ring The Samaritans Because Of Years Of Trolling’
Gaslighting A Woman Talking About Suicide Is Morally Reprehensible