Today, 10th September 2019, is World Suicide Prevention Day.

As some of you will know, this is a subject that is extremely close to my heart, as I lost my partner to suicide in July this year.

Suicide is a complex issue. It’s not as simple as snapping yourself out of suicidal thoughts, or being able to miraculously convince someone not to take their own life. But there are things we can do, and the first of them is to raise awareness.

Today, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay is trending on Twitter – a huge sign that people are talking about this subject and hopefully wanting to learn more about what we can do to help.

We can listen to the people who have had failed attempts – listen to what was going through their mind at the time, listen to what they think might have helped.

We can listen to the cries for help from those on the edge of making an attempt. We can dispel the myth that those people are “attention-seeking”, and show them the compassion and support they truly need.

We can check on our friends – our vulnerable friends and our seemingly stable friends. Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone, whether they’re crying or smiling.

If someone says they are suicidal – believe them. Even if you think they have “no reason” to feel suicidal, or that “their life seems fine”.

And finally, let’s remember those we have lost to suicide, and learn from what happened, so hopefully, we can stop more people from going down the same path.

If you’re feeling suicidal, whether actively or passively, please reach out to someone, whether it’s a family member, a friend, Samaritans (116 123), someone on Twitter, or literally anyone who will listen.

Your life is worth something. You are worthy of living. And if you can’t reach out right now, here are some reasons to stay alive.

• family
• friends
• your significant other
• your children
• your pets
• your hobbies
• books you haven’t finished yet
• movies you haven’t seen yet
• places you haven’t seen yet
• people you haven’t met yet

and so much more.

Remember: You are wanted. You are loved. This pain will not last forever, no matter how much it seems like it will. Please stay.