Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise raises awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day 2023
An estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year.*
Suicide can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action, we can all play our part in reducing suicide deaths around the world.
On Thursday, 14th September 2023, the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) marked World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) with the hope that we can be there for those who are struggling. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts in our community.
‘Creating Hope Through Action’, the theme for WSPD aims to inspire awareness and confidence in all of us that our actions, no matter how big or small can make a difference. Zara Dagg, End of Life Coordinator, MRHP stated, “Suicide can affect every one of us. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling in our community. Our aim is to raise awareness this WSPD and be a light to those in darkness”.
How do we create hope through action?
- Reach In - You can help give someone hope by showing that you care. All of us can play a role, no matter how small.
- Encourage Understanding - Stigma is a major barrier to help seeking. Changing the narrative around suicide through the promotion of hope can create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help.
- Share Experiences - The insights and stories of people with a lived experience of suicide can be extremely powerful in helping others understand both the anguish and hope within suicide and encourage people to reach in to support someone, and for individuals to reach out for help themselves.
Josephine Rigney Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention in Laois/Offaly added, ‘We are all unique and valuable. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, and on every day of the year, be there for yourself by reaching out to others if you are feeling particularly sad or low. Sharing the thoughts in your head will help things become clearer and ultimately better for you. Be there for others by letting people know that you care and want to listen and help them. Also remember those who have been bereaved through suicide and be sensitive and compassionate to their feelings at this time. Familiarise yourself with the services that are there to provide support to whomever may need it. You can be the encouragement that can help save a life.’
Learn more at www.iasp.info/wspd
*World Health Organisation
Picture Caption:
(Left to Right) - Padraic Dolan, Clinical Skills Facilitator, Josephine Rigney Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention in Laois/Offaly, Zara Dagg, End of Life Coordinator, MRHP, Michael Farrell, Assistant Director of Nursing, Antoinette Carroll, Clinical Nurse Manager
