WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
As much as the concept of “Work- life balance” is thrown around loosely to encourage people who work 9 till 5, it is a myth and the closest reality is actually a “Work- life integration”. According to the WHO, it is estimated that approximately one million people die from suicide yearly, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds with suicide rates amongst young adults between the ages of 25 and 44 (majorly people within the working age bracket), on the rise. Suicide also ranks as the 10th leading cause of death in men.
It is easy to get overwhelmed whilst balancing the many things going on in our lives, and when we’re asked how we are doing “Good” is the default response even when you are not okay. It is okay to say “No” and want a break. Depression and Suicide are common social issues that don’t get talked about especially at the work place. Chances are that there are suicidal people around you, and whilst they may or may not proceed to takes their own lives, it is important to pay attention to people around us: listen without judgement, be kind, and offer professional help when needed.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day as prescribed by the WHO is “40 seconds of action”, and the WHO is cheering everyone on to take 40 seconds out of your busy schedule today to:
· Improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global public health problem
· Improve knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide
· Reduce the stigma associated with suicide and let people who are struggling know that they are not alone.
· Take 40 seconds to show someone you care about them
Remember, suicidal thoughts are not permanent, suicide is. If you are struggling yourself, or supporting someone who is, it is important to take some time to look after yourself and reach out if you need support because of feeling hopeless, do not hesitate to reach the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative hotline on: +2348062106493.
#LifeIsWorthLiving #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicideAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthIsImportant #YouAreNotAlone #SuicideHotline #StopTheStigma.
CEO and Founder of Achievement Enterprises. Transformational Trainer. Mindset Change and Leadership Coach. Author
5 年This is so informative Bola. You are correct, it’s important to reach out and give a helping hand. I like it more when you say, ‘ ..take 40 seconds to show someone you care about them..’ I have actually been doing that where I reach one person a day to get to encourage them, show them I care and avail my time to simply listen to them. #helpingonepersonatatime.. #achievemententerprises
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT at PB2 Global Consult. Training consultant and Coach. Specializing in Sales, Soft skills & Customer service. Certified John Maxwell Speaker,Coach& Trainer. CMD certified
5 年As usual we pay Lip service to a lot of things, work life balance is one, executives need to put a structure in place to reduce suicide rates and help. People who are suicidal say NO when asked what is wrong because of the fear of the unknown.