World Suicide Prevention Day

It is World Suicide Prevention Day today and this is a subject that we all need to talk more about and be more open about. Let’s change the narrative on suicide and start talking.  

Today’s blog post content will be emotionally difficult and at times triggering, so if you prefer to skip this one, I totally understand. Please look after yourself and talk to someone if you need to xx

Suicide prevention is something that I feel is not just important for therapists and hospitals to think about. Too often we hear about someone who has died in this way and the people around them had no idea of how they really felt.

It can be so easy to see the people around us and not realise that the masks they are wearing have negative thoughts and harmful thinking behind them. It is only by talking about how people are feeling and being open and honest about our own that things can change.

I have personally struggled with chronic depression and at times suicidal thoughts since I was 14. These only became worse when I became chronically sick and realised, I wouldn’t be able to work or be independent.

Add into this rhetoric from governments, the media and society, and it can be easy to see why so many disabled people struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Just recently it has become apparent that the TV watchdog OFCOM is not supportive of the disabled community. And the current Disability Minister has not attended any of the three meetings that Labour set up to champion disability inclusion.

Understanding Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is held every year worldwide and brings together voices who want to use the opportunity to raise awareness. It is a chance to get people talking and hopefully save lives by giving us all a chance to ask how those around us really are.

According to the 2021 census, disabled people are more likely to die by suicide than non-disabled people. It was over three times higher for men and over four times higher for women, it is time for this to change.

There is a lot of things that can go into why this is, but just off the top of my head it can be living with illnesses or pain that seems never ending. This along with society’s views of us, poverty, money worries, lack of independence, loneliness and feeling like we are asking for basics of life and people thinking we don’t deserve it.

It is only by changing societies view of us, and the internalised ablism that we all have and improving our relationships with our medical teams that things will change. We all need help, support and compassion in a world where anyone can become disabled at any moment.

Personal Reflections

Back when I was struggling the most was when I was in university and then when I became sick and had to give up nursing and move back to my parents. In university I leant a lot on alcohol, and when I came back home, I relied on the internet to get through.

I thought I would never meet someone who could love me and accept my illnesses, and I hated that I had worked so hard to have to walk away. I struggled with confidence and an undiagnosed anxiety disorder, and I honestly would constantly think about dying.

Now I look back and I am thankful I am still here, I am married to a wonderful man, and we live with my mom and our dog Twig. I am happy though I still struggle a lot with my mental health, I no longer let my negative and harmful thoughts cloud in by practicing mindfulness.

Nobody knows what the future holds, and we will never know if we do not reach out to those around us or charities or doctors for help. It is only by being open and honest and doing the work that we can keep living like I did and trust me I am thankful I did.

Helplines and resources

It can be easy, when you are in the thick of things to feel there is nobody to help but there is:

Befrienders Worldwide – website with country-by-country helplines.

IASP’s Find a Helpline – searchable, verified global directory.

LifeLine International / ThroughLine – trusted, daily-verified helpline listings across 130+ countries.

I also have a whole post here on the blog with a lot of charities and places to go to so I hope this helps you as well. Personally, I like to email the Samaritans as then I can write everything out in my own time and I don’t have to speak to someone.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger—please call your national emergency services number. You’re not alone, and people do want to help

That is the main thing I want us all to remember, you may feel alone, but there is a lot of help available out there. Start by speaking to a family member, minister, teacher, someone you trust, then seek out a medical professional or speak to a charity.

Suicide prevention is not about thinking small or letting our thoughts control our actions, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but the opposite. It takes a lot of strength and fight to speak up, but you are worth it no matter what your thoughts tell you.

I am so glad you are here, as Dr Who once said, “You know that in nine hundred years of time and space and I’ve never met anybody who wasn’t important before.” This World Suicide Prevention day, spread love and spread kindness, and let’s start talking to start saving lives.

Spoons and Sparkles xx

If my words or videos have brought a little cosiness to your day, you can support me on Ko-fi with a tip or join my Patreon for just £2 a month. Your kindness helps me keep creating both here and on YouTube.