World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10. The day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, endorsed by the World Health Organization and represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention.
This year it was observed under the theme “Changing the Narratives on Suicide” with a focus on “Telling our Stories”. The organisers have indicated that the theme’s perspective encourages people, societies, companies, and authorities to discuss suicide and suicidal behaviour in their simplest terms.
On social media many people were brave enough to talk about their own struggles in an effort to have others, who in many cases are still ashamed and frightened by such thoughts, know that they are not alone. Educator and grief specialist Marva Langevine was one such person. Here is what she shared on her Facebook page: