Today we end our special edition of the HIKE for Mental Health blog on suicide awareness and prevention on World Suicide Prevention Day. There are multiple events taking place all over the world in an effort raise awareness, educate, and ultimately prevent another life from being taken by suicide. Today we are focusing on the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

IASP is a non-profit international community of advocates, educators, clinicians, and organizations that is dedicated to preventing and alleviating the effects of suicide. In addition to World Suicide Prevention Day (#WSPD), there are several different activities IASP is involved in, such as the World Congress, collaborating on research, the decriminalization of suicide, and MENTUPP (mental health promotion and intervention in occupational settings). Visit the links to find out more about IASP, resources that are available, and ways to get involved.

Today, we light a candle in remembrance of those we lost to suicide, the families and friends who lost a loved one to suicide, and those who are currently struggling with thoughts of suicide. Today we challenge you to do your part in preventing suicide: embrace the awkward & ask the questions, provide helpful resources, and show compassion and empathy for those who are struggling. Be a light of hope for someone. If each person reaches out to one person to make a caring connection, we can help save lives!

If you are struggling with your own thoughts of suicide, please know you aren’t alone and there is hope and help available to you. You can text TALK to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-8255 to get help (En español: 1-888-628-9454).