Thoughts on World Suicide Prevention Day
By Sue Monckton-Rickett
Tuesday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day and it also tragically marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Lizzie Lowe. Lizzie was a 14-year-old Christian girl from Didsbury, who took her own life because she believed that her sexuality would be incompatible with a Christian family life.
Her story and the impact that it had on her church family has become well known to many, which is captured in these videos: Beyond Inclusion: Resource films for use in churches.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
Many young people may be in the same position as Lizzie and find it hard to feel safe enough to start the conversation about what is troubling them. This is especially true when they may need to talk about thoughts, feelings and concerns about deeply personal aspects of themselves and/or things that are subject to shameful feelings or prohibitions (e.g. sexuality, drugs, sexting) and fear (e.g. being abused or bullied).
Adults too can be hemmed in by problems, pressures and losses that overwhelm them, yet feel that to open up to another person is too risky. They may fear being a burden, or inadequate, showing weakness – all the myriad ways in which the fear of exposure and rejection can act as a barrier to having the conversation.
As chair of ACC, I want to encourage and thank God for all who working in counselling or pastoral settings who have provided safe spaces and become safe adults for young people to open up to. Demonstrating empathy, compassion and acceptance are antidotes to the shame based fears that can trap people in feelings of isolation, hopelessness and despair. ACC members can be a model for others in how to start the conversation engendering trust, offering respect, and attending to what a vulnerable person most needs – a place of safety and support.
Light in the darkness is a powerful symbol of hope, and on 10 September especially we call for prayer that there will be many lights shining in our families, churches and communities, offering openness, understanding, and support.