On September 10th we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, and as the creator of the first-ever Caribbean mental health podcast, I want to encourage those who’ve been struggling to make it through 2020 — DON’T GIVE UP!
In 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host the first ever World Suicide Prevention Day.
Caribbean Folks and Suicide
World Suicide Prevention Day is meant to raise awareness regarding the subject of suicide and the actions that can be taken to prevent these tragedies on a global scale.
The shame surrounding mental illness, mental dis-eases and suicide needs to be addressed in the Caribbean region and diaspora, especially since youth suicide is on the rise in the islands.
READ: JAY’S THOUGHTS: If I Died Tomorrow….
CLICK TO LISTEN: Ep. 18: “Pain So Real You Want To Die” – A Podcast on Suicide.
A year ago I produced and released an episode titled, “Pain So Real You Want To Die!” It was a story of my personal suicide experiences, filled with valuable information on how you can be aware of signs of extreme depression within yourself and those around you — and immediate actions to take if you or someone you know is suicidal.
A year after #HEADwithJB Episode 18, I am in such an immovably peaceful and genuinely happy place in my life. The darkness, sadness and weight we temporarily feel never lasts forever friend! So DON’T GIVE UP!
Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, is thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. The range of suicidal ideation varies from fleeting thoughts, to extensive thoughts, to detailed planning.
WATCH: Jay Talks Suicide on TTT’s The Now Morning Show
According to the suicide data collection done by the WHO, close to 800,00 people die each year, due to suicide. There is 1 death every 40 seconds and that is not taking into account the 20 million suicide attempts. However, reducing these tragedies into statistics does not mean that there are set causes or stereotypes that can be applied to it.
Following my J’ouvert story last week, I received many nasty messages and death threats, including this sad message below, from a very lost soul…
You have to be a strong person to live a public life and stay in your right mind. You also have to be a very strong person to; survive a harsh upbringing, loss of a loved one, loss of a child, change of employment, loss or change of a relationship —– to survive life, to still choose to fight and to still manage to be in your right mind!
Don’t let your demons or haters win. There is only one you and you were divinely created to share your special magic with those around you. We need you to survive.
LISTEN HERE: Here’s A Caribbean Perspective On Mental Health Awareness
READ: Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak
If you know of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts and need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK, 1-888-NYC-WELL or call your location crisis hotline.
I know 2020 has been emotionally rough but please DON’T GIVE UP!
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Ep. 2: “I Suffer With Depression, Do You?”
The Truth Stands On Its Own And Never Dies.
I Don’t Hate My Mother, I Just Prefer To Stay Away From Her!
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