World Suicide Prevention Day Listen, support, save lives"

suicide - this is a serious public health problem, which has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. According to estimates, Currently, there are more than 700 000 suicides, and every suicide has a profound impact on family members, friends and colleagues.

Among young people aged 15 – 29 years, suicide is the second leading cause of death after death in road accidents.

These data highlight the scale of the problem and the need for a comprehensive approach to solving it.. Suicidal thoughts are associated with numerous, complex and intersecting social, economic, cultural and psychological factors and problems.

Main features, which may indicate suicidal thoughts:

• Direct statements and references to the desire to commit suicide: “You will be better off without me” or “I see no point in life”.
• Changes in behavior. Withdrawal, refusal to communicate with friends and family.
• Emotional Signs. Feeling hopeless. Feeling, that nothing will change for the better.
• Changes in sleep patterns and appetite. Insomnia or, vice versa, excessive sleepiness. Sudden weight gain or loss.
• Preparing for care. Distributing things or saying goodbye to loved ones. Researching methods of suicide and purchasing means for this.
• Use of alcohol or drugs.

You should never ignore such signs, and it is best to talk to this person openly and sensitively, expressing your concern and willingness to help.

Important to remember, that there are ways to help and support people, experiencing difficulties. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, It is strongly recommended to seek help from specialists - psychologists or psychiatrists. Joining forces, we can create a world, in which everyone will feel needed, heard and protected.

Where to go for help?

10 september 2024 direct telephone lines will be established:

– with 9-00 to 11-00 by phone. 8(0232)33-57-24 on the basis of the public health department of the state institution "Gomel Regional Hygiene Center, epidemiology and public health” psychologist Olga Aleksandrovna Kunger will answer your questions;

– with 9-00 to 11-00 by phone. 8(0232)30-63-47 at the Gomel Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital institution, the head of the organizational and methodological department, Pavel Mikhailovich Bukatov, will answer your questions.

Psychologist Department of Public Health

Gomel Regional Center for Central Generation and Health

Olga Kunger