Press release
World Suicide Prevention Day 2023
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are today marking international World Suicide Prevention Day. The global theme for 2023 is ‘Creating Hope through Action’.
Minister Butler and the HSE have three key messages for this World Suicide Prevention Day: Reach In, Reach Out, and Be the Light.
In Ireland, this is an important theme that is reflected in our national strategy to reduce suicide Connecting for Life. Suicide is a very complex issue, however we can always look out for others who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts and provide support. This helps to create a more caring society where those who need to can feel more comfortable in seeking help.
Minister Butler said:
"On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to spread a message of hope to anyone impacted by suicide or suicidal thoughts. We can make a difference through small but meaningful actions to help those who are struggling.
"Even a single conversation can make a big difference. Every death by suicide is a tragedy, and I am thinking today of those families, friends, and communities bereaved by suicide. Preventing the tragedy of suicide remains a key priority and we will continue to support our colleagues in the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and their community partners to ensure that the resources are available to continue their valuable work.
"Today I would encourage everyone to Reach In to those who may need help, Reach Out for help if you need to, and Be the Light in your community. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma and encouraging action we can help to reduce the instances of suicide in Ireland."
Mr John Meehan, Head of HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (HSE Operations Planning) said:
"International World Suicide Prevention Day is an important time to acknowledge and remember lives that have been sadly lost to suicide in Ireland. For people who have been bereaved, and for others who are findings things tough, it is also a time to spotlight the services, supports and projects that the HSE work on with many different agencies, nationally and locally. In particular the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention draws attention to the wide range of free and accessible training programmes, available in communities nationwide. For example, taking 90 minutes out to complete LivingWorks Start online, or taking half a day to attend a safeTALK programme in your community, could really help make a difference to someone in distress. These programmes can build your confidence, help you recognise people who might be at risk of suicide, ask them about suicide, and connect them with helpful supports and services. They can help you to ‘Be The Light’ for someone in your community this World Suicide Prevention Day."
In line with the international message of ‘creating hope’ on World Suicide Prevention Day, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is sharing the following actions that anyone can take to support themselves, or someone in need of help.
Reach in to someone you know who might be having difficulties. Find a comfortable space and time to sit and be present with them. Use open questions and tell them you care about them. You don’t need to have all the answers, so try not to feel pressured. If they share things with you, listen - stay calm, be patient and kind.
Remember that bringing up the topic of suicide with someone will not make suicide more likely. It can be really helpful for a person just to have a safe space to open up, know that they are heard and that they are not alone at a difficult time.
Reach out. If you are feeling particularly low, sad or hopeless, always remember that sharing things with someone else will help. Reaching out to talk with someone or even a support organisation might initially feel frightening.
Even if you can’t find the right words, when you take that first step and start to share and talk about what’s going on for you, things can become clearer. The right words will come, and you will start to feel more hopeful.
Be the light. Connect with a support or community organisation. Volunteer, help spread their messages and become involved in activities that promote positive mental health and wellbeing or suicide prevention in your community.
Always think about the person and what they might be going through when talking about suicide. Remain compassionate and be respectful of the lives that have been lost, or others who have been bereaved. Remember that people can — and do — get through times of crisis, and that a positive message of recovery, can be protective and hopeful for others to hear.
The topic of suicide should always be approached with care and compassion. It is important to use sensitive and non-stigmatising language when engaging in a conversation, talking or writing about suicide. Using language and words that are helpful and respectful, will encourage open and safe conversations about suicide, and its prevention. They can help to create environments that are free of stigma, judgment or prejudice.
Always avoid using the term ‘commit suicide’ – this can imply a sin, criminal offence or act, and therefore can be stigmatising – of the person who has died, or of people who have been bereaved. In general, use neutral and simple terms such as ‘died by suicide’, ‘die by suicide’ or ‘death by suicide’.
If someone tells you that they are having thoughts of suicide, try to stay calm and don’t be afraid. Be reassured there are always helpful things you can do and there are training programmes that can help prepare you. Free suicide prevention and awareness programmes are available from the HSE.
These can build your confidence, help you recognise people who might be at risk of suicide, ask them about suicide, and connect them with helpful supports and services. For example:
Always signpost to supports whenever talking about suicide. Many services are open 24/7 and you can make contact in different ways, for example:
You can also call the HSE YourMentalHealth Information Line, anytime day or night, for information on mental health, and what other services and supports are available near you – freephone 1800 111 888 or visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie.
For more information on suicide prevention training programmes available from the HSE, visit www.nosp.ie/training.