Kelly Kerr-Reid’s Post

🌍 World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10, 2024 🕊️ Changing the Narrative on Suicide It’s time to shift how we talk about suicide. Today, we aim to replace silence, stigma, and shame with hope, understanding, and compassion. Every life is worth fighting for, and by changing the narrative on suicide, we can make it easier for people to seek help and feel supported. 💬 Let’s change the conversation: Ask open, caring questions and listen without judgment. Talking about suicide doesn’t encourage it; silence does. 🫶 Let’s change how we offer support: Be a safe space for someone to share their pain. You don’t need all the answers—just being there can make all the difference. 📞 Let’s change access to help: Encourage reaching out. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, there is help available, and seeking it is a sign of strength. Together, we can rewrite the story from one of isolation to one of connection and healing. By changing how we speak about and respond to suicide, we’re creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help and okay to offer it. No one should struggle in silence. You are loved. You are valued. You are not alone. 💛 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #ChangingTheNarrative #MentalHealthMatters #YouMatter #StopSuicide #ThereIsHope #BreakTheSilence

🌍 World Suicide Prevention Day | September 10, 2024 🕊️ Changing the Narrative on Suicide It’s time to shift how we talk about suicide. Today, we aim to replace silence, stigma, and shame with hope, understanding, and compassion. Every life is worth fighting for, and by changing the narrative on suicide, we can make it easier for people to seek help and feel supported. 💬 Let’s change the conversation: Ask open, caring questions and listen without judgment. Talking about suicide doesn’t encourage it; silence does. 🫶 Let’s change how we offer support: Be a safe space for someone to share their pain. You don’t need all the answers—just being there can make all the difference. 📞 Let’s change access to help: Encourage reaching out. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, there is help available, and seeking it is a sign of strength. Together, we can rewrite the story from one of isolation to one of connection and healing. By changing how we speak about and respond to suicide, we’re creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help and okay to offer it. No one should struggle in silence. You are loved. You are valued. You are not alone. 💛 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #ChangingTheNarrative #MentalHealthMatters #YouMatter #StopSuicide #ThereIsHope #BreakTheSilence

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide doesn't increase the risk of suicide. It does the opposite. Knowing how to talk about a topic that can feel scary doesn't come naturally. So, looking to experts and people with lived experience, or in Eric's case, both (he is a social worker and someone who lost his father to suicide), is the safest path to understanding how to safely talk about a topic that deserves attention. ***One key learning I hope everyone will take away from this post is that we all need to stop saying, "commit suicide." For more on why and thoughtful language you should use see the link in the comments.*** Today, I'm sharing Eric's story in hopes that anyone reading this who has lost a loved one to suicide feels seen. If you are someone who is struggling, you are not alone. I have been where you are. I have found tools to get through challenging times, and I'm always happy to connect with you. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, please call or text: 988 #CrowdsourcingHope

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". Sometimes the hardest words to say are the most important. We need to show everyone that talking about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts, doesn’t have to be scary. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life. It can be hard to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference. Encouraging understanding and sharing experiences creates a society where people have the confidence to take action, building hope for the future. Suicide is preventable, and we can all play a part in reducing this number by raising awareness, starting conversations, and learning how we can support someone who may be thinking about taking their own life. Look out for your colleagues and friends not just today but everyday. BUT also remember to look out for YOU and find a listening ear if you are struggling. #worldsuicidepreventionday #breakthestigma #mentalhealthmatters

International Suicide Prevention Month 🎗️;; September is a month to create awareness on suicide prevention. We have all lost someone to suicide or heard of someone who died by suicide. Personally I lost a cousin last week on Thursday to suicide. As we mourn his death as a family, I will be joining the worldwide movement creating awareness to prevent more deaths by suicide. Join me in honoring this month by purposely showing empathy, offering a listening ear and showing care to our loved ones, friends, neighbours and most definitely our colleagues and acquaintances at work. Every conversation matters - whether it's personal, public,online or private. Just because someone doesn't look like they are in distress doesn't mean they are okay. You could be the lifeline they need. So ask how the next person is doing and truly mean it. While at it don't forget that you also matter, look out for yourself and recognize your own tipping points. You are not alone. Help is there. If you are feeling anxious, depressed, in distress or suicidal please call +254 722 178 177 Toll free. #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #EveryConversationMatters #EndSuicide #BeTheLight #BreaktheSilence #YouMatter #YouAreNotAlone #Hopelives #StopTheStigma

Did you know most people who attempt suicide show warning signs beforehand? Whether it’s withdrawing from loved ones, changes in behavior, or expressing feelings of hopelessness, these signs often indicate someone may be in crisis. Recognizing them and offering support could make all the difference. If you notice these warning signs in someone, don’t hesitate to reach out. A simple conversation can open the door for them to seek help. You can guide them to resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741), both available 24/7. Sometimes, just letting them know you're there to listen can be the first step toward healing. This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, be proactive. At Evia, we encourage you to check in with friends and family, share these vital resources, and educate yourself about the warning signs of suicide. Together, we can create a supportive environment where no one has to face their struggles alone. Your awareness and compassion can save lives. #EndTheStigma #StartTheConversation #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth

Today, September 10, 2024 is World Suicide Prevention Day ! I had no plans of writing this post and I would need to omit a few details here but I believe we need to get this out there. A few years back, I had a need to call up the Suicide prevention helplines ( No, not for me but for someone else), with the idea of getting some help on how to help that family member who was in distress. I tried calling at least 10 of these helplines but here is what happened - ✅Few numbers mentioned online did not exist. ✅Few did not pick up the call, even after multiple attempts. ✅At last one call got connected, and the lady could not really help much, to be very honest. . . . . And all I could think was that if a person who is in real distress, in that zone, tries calling these helplines for help, there is not much help that they would get, making them even more vulnerable! Suicide is real. And these helplines are the first anonymous source of help for any individual in need. This needs to be improved. We deserve better ! I could not do much back then about it and writing about it was also super difficult for me, but today I feel I have the courage to share it with you all. Even today I don't know how this can be sorted but if you know of someone who is building/working on this issue, please tag them. I would really like to contribute and offer my help. #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionday #suicide #linkedinforcreators

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day Every year on September 10, we remember how important it is to bring suicide prevention to the forefront and break the silence. Suicide is a global challenge that too often remains hidden. Each of us can make a difference - whether it's by listening, talking openly or creating an environment where no one feels left out. 💡What can we do? 🔹 Listen instead of looking away:  There are often small signs or moments when someone needs help. Sometimes a sympathetic ear is enough to show someone that they are not alone. 🔹Talk about suicide:  Suicide should not be a taboo subject. Open and empathetic conversations can break down barriers and convey hope. 🔹Be mindful:  Let's pay attention to the signs of people around us who are struggling with difficult feelings. 🔹Seek and offer help:  It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. And it is a sign of strength to offer it. Professional support, self-help groups and open conversations can help those affected to find new perspectives. Every conversation, every small gesture can save lives.   #suicideprevention #worlddayofsuicideprevention #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #eap #mentalhealth

Breaking the Silence: World Suicide Prevention Day On World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recognize the crucial role each of us can play in preventing suicide. While professional help is essential, the support of family and friends can be a lifeline. Often, those struggling may not be able to seek help on their own, and a caring word or action from someone close can make a significant difference. It’s important to understand that discussing suicidal thoughts does NOT increase the risk of an attempt—instead, it can provide relief and open doors to necessary support. Learn the signs, understand how to approach sensitive conversations, and know what steps to take if someone you care about is at risk. Don't let someone feel alone in their darkest hour. Reach out, listen, and offer support. Together, we can prevent suicide. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gE8yXSXa #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #eap #employeeassistanceprogram

Next week is World Suicide Prevention Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness around suicide and suicide prevention. ⚠️ Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years. One of the themes for this year’s campaign is ‘Start the Conversation’ - encouraging people to open up and to talk more. A recent poll found that only: 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts. We all know that it can be hard to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of support. The Samaritans offer the following advice on how we can all play our part: 👀 Watch Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone’s struggling to cope. 💬 Speak Speak up to let someone know that there is support available. 🫱 Play Play your part by reaching out to anyone you’re concerned about. ❌ Ditch Ditch the stigma – suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know – so let’s talk about it! #5pillarsofVitality #Think #Suicide #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventationDay #TalkingHelps #StartTheConversation