Every year on September 10 for World Suicide Prevention Day, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people take their lives. Suicide is preventable, despite not being okay being stigmatised. Hence, let’s find a way to break the cycle of shame by educating ourselves through people’s experiences. The day aims to:

1. Raise awareness: World Suicide Prevention Day encourages individuals and communities to become informed about the signs of suicide, its risk factors, and available resources for help.
2. Promote understanding: It seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society.
3. Offer support: The day encourages people to reach out to those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, providing them with the support and care they need.
4. Share information: Various organisations and mental health advocates use this day to share information, resources, and strategies for suicide prevention.
5. Remember those lost: World Suicide Prevention Day is also an opportunity to remember and honour those who have lost their lives to suicide, promoting a sense of community and solidarity.

It is important to note that suicide prevention efforts go beyond a single day and should be a year-round commitment to promoting mental health, offering support, and breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Books for World Suicide Prevention Day

1. “It’s Not OK to Feel Blue and Other Lies” by Scarlett Curtis. A collection of essays sharing personal battles with mental health, offering hope and unity in the struggle.
2. “Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig. An honest and uplifting account of overcoming depression, providing valuable insights and reasons to embrace life.
3. “How Not to be Good, the A to Z of Anxiety” by Elli Johnson. A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing anxiety, offering practical advice and support.
4. “Mind Your Head” by Juno Dawson. A candid exploration of mental health, offering guidance and understanding for young adults navigating life’s challenges.
5. “So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister” by Anna Akana. Heartfelt letters that share wisdom, resilience, and encouragement for anyone facing life’s trials.
6. “If You Feel Too Much” by Jamie Tworkowski. A collection of profound thoughts on life’s struggles, loss, and hope, inspiring readers to find purpose in pain.
7. “Boy Meets Depression: Or Life Sucks and Then You Live” by Kevin Breel. A raw and humorous memoir that sheds light on the author’s journey through depression.
8. “Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness” by William Styron. A gripping memoir describing the author’s battle with depression, offering profound insights into its depths.

Please contact Samaritans (116 123) if you are based in the UK and you need assistance, or 999 if you require immediate help.

If you’re around the world, please find some relevant resources near you here.

If you found this useful, then check out books for Time to Talk Day to get conversation started.

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