In 2003, World Health Organization (WHO) declared September 10 as the World Suicide Prevention Day. This decision garnered support from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the World Federation for Mental Health to prevent and reduce mortality numbers caused by suicide.
WHO explained that suicide rates in 2024 has reached 720.000 cases. Suicide is also confirmed as the third most common cause of death in the 18-29 age group. What’s worse is that number is continuously growing from time to time which is why it must be prioritized by the whole world.
Based on the official IASP website, it is said that “caring for others” is an effective method to prevent suicide. It might sound trivial but a high level of care can change an individual’s perspective for the better. Caring for others can also increase a person’s mental health by providing a feeling of safety and connectivity with others.
Haya Nur Karimah, a Communication Science student also expressed her opinion about the importance of caring for others. She suggested that when we see a friend that looks like they’re isolating themselves or having problems, we can show that we care by talking to them, especially about the things they like. It might not seem like much, but our presence can actually help them calm themselves down.
Haya has experiences as a class president and as a coordinator in some organizations or committees. She thinks that in a group, it is a must that each member knows one another. As a leader it is also important to be present in every meeting to develop a bond between members. Feedbacks are also important to evaluate how every member feels while working. These actions can help decrease any excessive tension during work and help in creating a more comfortable space for the members.
Haya hopes that each of us can plant a mindset of self-love and self-care. She said that self-love is important to develop a positive mind. Self-care doesn’t have to be something big or extravagant, it can be as simple as being mindful of your eating cycle, doing workouts, or sharing what troubles you with someone who cares.
“It’s completely fine to be a little selfish, because if we’re not the first person who’d take care of us, then who else would?” She also hopes that we don’t stop at ourselves when building a positive energy, but we take a step further and spread a positive spirit and happiness to the people around us. It is vital to care for one another especially during times of crises.
For that reason, let’s commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day with a small act. Give up some of your time to ask how the people you care about are doing and appreciate their presence. Slowly but surely, by doing so we can make a big change. (Ed)