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World Suicide Prevention Day: 5 ways to care for people around us

As I pen this letter on World Suicide Prevention Day, my heart is filled with sadness that such a day is even needed to affirm our commitment to preventing suicide.

The writer, a mental health researcher, suggests five ways we can show concern for the people around us.

The writer, a mental health researcher, suggests five ways we can show concern for the people around us.

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Jonathan Kuek Han Loong

As I pen this letter on World Suicide Prevention Day, my heart is filled with sadness that such a day is even needed to affirm our commitment to preventing suicide.  

But I am also hopeful that my dream of no longer having to observe this day in future will come true when suicide prevention efforts become a part of daily life.

What I believe needs to happen is a cultural shift in the way we care. Mental health professionals can only do so much. 

Suicide prevention starts with you and me.

Here are five ways we can care better for the people around us: 

LISTEN

The simple act of listening is a powerful tool that can be used to support and care for others.

But listening is not the same as hearing. Listening is an intentional act to allow another person to feel that he or she is being understood and acknowledged.

When we are genuinely listening, we do not judge, we do not solve, we do not critique, and we try to understand where the other person is coming from and why he or she is feeling a certain way.

ACCEPT OTHER PERSPECTIVES

No two people go through the same set of experiences in their lives. Not even twins.

Even if they have similar experiences, how each responds and adapts to them may be different. 

Consequently, there can be significant differences in how everyone views the world. Openness to another person’s worldview creates a safe space for that person to exist as his or her authentic self. He or she also does not have to put on a facade.

BE PRESENT

With the prevalence of technology, I often see dining tables filled with people staring at their phones instead of engaging with those around them. 

When it comes to social connectedness, more often than not, it is the quality of the activities we partake in that provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, rather than the number of social events we attend. 

Try to be fully present, physically and psychologically, and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.

CHOOSE KINDNESS OVER BEING RIGHT

No one likes to be told they are wrong or not doing things the “right” way. 

This is especially important when people tell you about their mistakes. Instead of stressing what they did wrong, be kind and empathetic. This helps to ease the negative emotions arising from their missteps.

BE CONSISTENT

Perhaps most important, caring needs to be done constantly, not just for others but for yourself. 

Consistency allows these behaviours and thoughts to become habits that are ingrained in us. Much like breathing or walking, caring should become second nature to us and performed with ease.

Let us all do our part to prevent suicide. One life lost is one too many.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Jonathan Kuek Han Loong is a doctoral candidate and mental health researcher at the University of Sydney. He specialises in recovery approaches to the management and understanding of mental health conditions. His research is based in Singapore. The views expressed are his own.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

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suicide prevention mental health World Suicide Prevention Day

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