10 September 2021.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It's a day to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented.
During this challenging time, people are more susceptible to stress, anxiety, depression and feeling of losing hope due to various reasons. Many have lost their jobs, losing their loved ones, exhausted physically and mentally, suffering abuses, and many more. Some may have resorted to taking extreme measure to handle it.
Let's play our role as part of a community to increase this awareness and stop the social stigma on people who are having mental health issues. Let's be more kind to other people and ourselves.
Since gathering and face to face meeting can be challenging during this time, let's play our role as well to reach out to at least one person today in our social circle. Technology has made it easier for us to connect. Use it. We are all just connected with one call / Whatsapp away. If possible, video call is better.
For someone who has survived depression 8 years ago, my journey started with someone else raising an alert of my suicidal thoughts, and referred me to professional. Getting professional assistance really helped me then. There are times when you feel like talking to strangers is easier than your closed ones. There's no judgement, and professional assistance is bounded by confidentiality. If you prefer someone you know, that is okay too. You do you!
Know that whatever you are feeling is valid, and if you can't handle it yourself, do reach out to someone you feel safe with or seek professional help. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not your weakness.
It's okay not to be okay!
Seek help from local Befriender - 03 76272929
https://www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia