Not only are these discussions important to have here in Guyana, but they are necessary globally. Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. With everything that has happened in the media recently, we want to emphasize the importance of reaching out to someone for support and care.
In the classroom, we discuss warning signs of someone who might be having thoughts of suicide. Often when someone is having thoughts of suicide, they may try to tie up loose ends of their lives by withdrawing from friends and family and saying definite goodbyes to their loved ones. If we notice someone in our lives that is displaying some of these signs, we can't be afraid to ask them directly if they are having thoughts of suicide.
If someone is having thoughts of suicide, it takes a tremendous amount of strength for them to reach out to someone. If someone reaches out to us, it is so important that we don't judge them and validate their feelings. Telling that person that they aren't alone is one of the best things that someone can say.
Not everyone who is having thoughts of suicide displays warning signs; therefore it is crucial that we incorporate discussions about mental health in our daily lives.
If anyone that we know is struggling, it is so important to talk to someone that we trust and who cares about us. If someone is not ready to talk to someone they know, there are many different helplines with people that are trained to listen and support us.
In Guyana:
Suicide Helpline: 223-0001
In Canada:
Suicide Helpline: 1-833-456-4566
Let's start and continue these conversations.
Always,
Tara, Gwen, Britney, and Hannah 💙
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