Suicide Awareness Day

Today, September 10th, is National Suicide Awareness Day. This is my 2nd Annual post about suicide awareness. While I suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder, I am one of the lucky that do not have suicidal tendencies. However, somewhere in the world, someone dies of suicide every 40 seconds. That is 90 people every hour, 2160 people every day, or just under 800,000 people every year.

The World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will co-sponsor World Suicide Prevention Day today. To commemorate this date, the MSW@USC invite everyone to participate in the 1000 Voices for Suicide Prevention. I am joining yet again.

Suicide claims the lives of nearly one million people every year ... this number exceeds the number of deaths due to war and homicide combined. Suicide awareness has become more noticeable due to the death of actor Robin Williams, but it is a shame that it took someone famous to bring awareness to such a terrible battle.

Source

While I take Prozac for anxiety and Lamictal to balance my moods ... I also talk to a therapist when I am struggling. The past couple years have been dark, and I have battled with thoughts in my head. While they have not been suicidal in nature, they have caused great disturbances and family strife. I know that my choices and my actions based on my irrational thoughts have caused others hardships that were not necessary. The worst thing is to feel outcast and judged for everything you do. It is important to let others know that when they are there for you, you are thankful. There is help and you are NEVER alone.

So this week, join the #NSPW movement and follow the events along with me!

Wednesday, September 10: Today is World Suicide Prevention Day! Follow the International Association of Suicide Prevention on Facebook for updates on their WSPD events.

Thursday, September 11, 6pm PT/9pm EST: @MSWatUSC will be moderating the #MacroSW tweet chat to discuss ways we can synchronize suicide prevention efforts between individuals and organizations around the country. RSVP for this event here.

Friday, September 12: Join us for a #NSPW Follow Friday! Tweet and mention individuals and organizations who you want to recognize as leaders in #suicideprevention and awareness advocacy work.



Spread the Word On Social Media:

For Collaborators:
Sample Tweet: I’m joining @MSWatUSC & 45+ experts for the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign. Read my post here: http://bit.ly/100Voices #NSPW

Sample Facebook Post: I’m joining over 45 experts in the field and USC School of Social Work for the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign. Check out my submission here:http://bit.ly/100Voices#NSPW

For Advocates:

Sample Tweet: @MSWatUSC joins together w/ 45+ experts for the 100 Voices for #SuicidePrevention campaign. Read Now: http://bit.ly/100Voices #NSPW

Sample Facebook Post: “USC School of Social Work has built a collaboration with over 45 leading voices in the suicide prevention field who have contributed guest posts, podcast interviews, PSA’s, and resources. Share the 100 Voices Campaign to raise awareness for this critical issue: http://bit.ly/100Voices #NSPW

Keep the suicide prevention and awareness conversation going on social media using the following hashtags:

• #suicideprevention
• #NSPW
• #stayalive
• #youarenotalone
• #itgetsbetter
• #saynotosuicide
• #stopsuicide
• #unsuicide
• #twloha
• #loveislouder

Thank you for raising awareness with us!

If you or a friend are considering suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It is free and confidential.