Suicide prevention - Learn how to save a life

TODAY is World Suicide Prevention Day, the objective of which is to promote global commitment and action to prevent suicides.

The World Health Organisation reports that almost 3,000 people take their lives every day, and for every person who does so, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. Chinese authorities say suicide has become the primary death cause among people between 15 and 34. About two million Chinese attempt to take their own lives each year, 280,000 succeed.

In Ireland the figures are on a different scale but are equally tragic. Last week the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) reported our suicide rate fell from 460 people in 2007 to 424 last year.

These figures have been challenged. Prof Kevin Malone of Turning the Tide of Suicide said the figures were in stark contrast to the charity’s experience and that the figure is much higher.

Whatever the figure is there is much we can, as individuals or families, do to help some of the people distressed enough to consider the option. Most of the organisations dealing with the issue have published protocols that may save a life. We should all familiarise ourselves with them and have the courage to apply them if the need ever presents itself.