”Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.”

World Suicide Prevention Day was on 10th September as it every year. Each year there’s a campaign held to have various discussions on how preventable suicide is but I didn’t see much unless I searched it up online and because of this, I believe more needs to be done.

”It is estimated that there are currently more than 700 000 suicides per year worldwide”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there is a call to action “Start the Conversation” dating between 2024-2026 stating;

”This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”

A person doesn’t just wake up and decide to end their lives, it’s normally due to months even years of experiencing pain whether it be physical or mental. The top reason for suicide is poor mental health and unfortunately due to the world dynamic it’s only getting worse but you can overcome that.

I always advocate for strong mental health, and even that’s taken a while for me. It’s easier said than done because I’ve had extremely poor mental health in the past, but after going through therapy and taking time out just for me, my mental health drastically improved over time.

Not everyone has the privilege of being able to go to therapy. Not everyone has the privilege of taking time out to focus on their mental health, but think of it this way: you care so much for others while your mental health continuously deteriorates, but how will you care for others if you aren’t well? To care for others, you have to take care of yourself first.

I think the campaign to start the conversation is vital. Like my mother always said to me, ”Charity begins at home” and I believe this conversation needs to be had in our homes, our place of worship, friendships, etc, because it’s much better to listen to a loved one’s struggle than attend their funeral due to them completing suicide. 

I know it gets lonely, and it feels as though your cries and sorrows aren’t listened to, but I promise they are. Please remember that your life is worth living and that your life matters. You matter, so for my sake, stay until tomorrow at least, and when tomorrow comes, stay an extra day and another and another. Keep going so long as you stay.

P.S I made a list of 100 silly and real reasons not to complete suicide, why not play a game and pick a random number and reason to stay, so long as you stay, whether it be for a real or silly reason. As long as you’re here with us, with me.