World Suicide Prevention Day falls on the 10th of September every year. It is the day where people worldwide help raise awareness about the tenth leading cause of death in this country. On average, there are 132 suicides each day. This devastating issue is one that requires professional intervention as well as help from individuals all around the world. Individuals, families, and communities can come together to support their loved ones who are struggling with depression or who have been impacted by suicide. For those struggling with substance use issues and a mental health condition such as depression, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help. This World Suicide Prevention Day, take time to learn about treatment options and how you can get involved.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day in 2021 is “Creating Hope Through Action.” This is a powerful reminder of how even small acts can offer hope to those who are struggling.
Since 2003, countries all over the globe have participated in this day to get the word out about suicide prevention. What can you do to participate in World Suicide Prevention Day?
Host an Event for Suicide Prevention Day
You can host an event either locally or virtually to raise suicide awareness and talk about mental health treatment. Consider contacting your mayor’s office or board of trustees about setting up or participating in an event. There also may be local organizations and businesses willing to work with you and sponsor a World Suicide Prevention Day event.
Some event suggestions include:
- 5k run or walk
- Depression screening
- Prevention seminar
- Online Google hangout
- Facebook virtual group
Consider focusing your event on a specific group close to your heart, too, such as members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, or teens.
Raise Awareness on Suicide Prevention Day
These days, the internet makes it easy to be part of Suicide Prevention Day. You can go online to a social media site and discuss your experience with depression or suicide. During this time, you can also remember those you may have lost by posting their picture and telling their story.
Make a day out of posting information, dispelling myths about suicide, and opening up the lines of communication. Encourage others to share or post about the day, too. Maybe start a hashtag campaign and get people around the world talking.
Educate Yourself About Suicide, Depression, and Dual Diagnosis
It’s a very personal subject, and maybe you are not comfortable talking about it with others. In that case, use the day to educate yourself about the signs of mental health problems, substance abuse, and emotional distress.
Research on how you can get help if you notice a symptom in yourself or someone else, too. Take the time to write down the phone number for the Suicide Helpline and put it someplace handy in case you need it. Bookmark organizations that you can reach out to if you need help.
Get Creative
You don’t have to stick to the conventional approaches when looking to participate in World Suicide Prevention Day. What else could you do? If you paint, create a work of art to commemorate the day. If you write poetry, consider posting a poem online to raise awareness. You could even sell crafts online and donate the money to a local organization that helps veterans or the homeless, or you could hand out flyers listing the signs to watch for or wear a sticker reminding everyone of the day.
There are no limits, so spend some time coming up with something creative that will help others know more about suicide prevention.
During Suicide Prevention Day, Reach out for Help
Maybe this is the day you decide to reach out to a mental health treatment center like Westwind Recovery®® in Los Angeles, California. We offer primary mental health services along with addiction treatment and sober living programs. Our dual diagnosis treatment program provides targeted support for those struggling with both addiction and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
The mental health services at Westwind Recovery®® focus not just on your mind but your whole body and your spirit. We believe that a client-centered and holistic approach offers the best chance at recovery. Along with standard addiction services like detox, we provide mental health programs such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Body positivity groups
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
One of the most well-received programs is adventure therapy, which sponsors outings every month for activities like surfing or camping.
If you or someone you love has a mental health condition or is considering suicide, we are here to help. Give Westwind Recovery®® a call at 855.340.8832 today.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
