World Suicide Prevention Day 2014

Wednesday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day 2014.  This day brings together individuals and organisations with an interest in suicide prevention, and mobilises efforts to save lives.  It has been marked every year since 2003.  This year, the theme is 'Suicide Prevention: One World Connected'.  Feeling connected is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide.  Studies have shown that social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, that having strong human bonds can protect against it.  Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others, and offering them support and friendship, may be a life-saving act.  However, connectedness can also be understood in terms of holistic medical care and coordinating the efforts of everyone who has contact with vulnerable people.  For more information, see: www.iasp.info/wspd