Monday, September 10, 2012

World Suicide Prevention Day

It's "Visible Monday" and what better way to be visible than to spread the word that suicide can be prevented. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

 More people in the world die from suicide than from war and murder combined. September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and you can make a difference. By taking 5 minutes to get involved and become informed, you will be a part of a worldwide movement to save lives.

 I'm wearing orange today to support World Suicide Prevention Day. And I'll light a candle near a window at 8 p.m. in memory of my father, who committed suicide on January 17, 1991, and in memory of Lexi Schantz, who committed suicide on May 30, 2011, 2 months before her 21st birthday.

Click here for resources and to learn more.  Click here to learn more about the National Suicide Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

It does seem a bit frivolous in light of the subject, but I did have to dig deep to find an orange outfit, and it's good to see what a survivor of suicide looks like, just a regular person.

It's been 21 years since my dad killed himself, but I think about him almost every day.


Shocking.

 

3 comments:

  1. Ellen, I appreciate your courage in posting this. I am sorry for the loss of your Dad, and for all those who miss him today. As a psychotherapist, this subject is important to me too, so thanks very much for sharing your words with Visible Monday.

    And you do look terrific in orange, next to your modern painting!

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  2. Oh, I'm so sorry about your dad...
    Wow, I didn't realize the magnitude of the suicide statistics. Today IS a special day!

    Your orange outfit is wonderful, btw!

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  3. I'm very sorry about your Dad. Thanks for spreading the word about suicide.

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