September 10-16 is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year. That is on average, one life lost every 40 seconds. Suicide knows no age, and does not care that children as young as 5 are struggling for their lives.

According to WHO, the prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. To date, only a few countries have included suicide prevention among their health priorities and only 28 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy.

Suicide is everyone’s business and concern. It is up to you to know the signs and reach out to someone who you may believe needs help. We need to start talking, openly, creating community awareness and breaking down the taboo to make progress in preventing suicide.

On a global front, we need to unite to prevent this worldwide issue. On Saturday, Sept 10 at 8 pm, place a light in your window, check in with someone you may be concerned about, let them know you care.

If you or someone you care about needs support, contact:

Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-737-4668

Kids Help Phone: 1-866-668-6868

NL Health Line: 1-888-709-2929