A
ccording to The World Health Organization (WHO), over 800,000 people die
from suicide each year. It even exceeds the number of deaths caused by
homicide and war combined. It is also the second leading cause of death in the
15-29 years old age group in 2012 globally.
To Connect
With the growing global concern over mental health, the Wellness and
Counselling Centre of the Office of Student Affairs has joined hand with the
International Association for Suicide Prevention in observing the World Suicide
Prevention Day (WSPD).
Studies have shown that connectedness plays a crucial role in lowering mental
illness, including suicide. When individuals perceive that they are valued, cared
for, trusted, and respected by other people or their communities, they are less
likely to commit suicide. (Whitlock J, 2012)
Small Actions, Big Difference
The theme of the WSPD 2017 is
“
Take a Minute, Change a Life
”
which
emphasises on the importance of reaching out and offering support to others.
Many survivors from suicide attempt have reported that words and actions of
others were significant. They did not want to die but they were desperate for
someone who could intervene and help them out. Actions as simple as offering
a text message, a hug, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on could make a
difference to someone
´
s life, especially during their darkest days.
Be a Gatekeeper
Therefore, wristbands with the slogan
“
Take a Minute, Change a Life
”
were
specially designed to remind us to act as gatekeeper of the community and
help creating a caring environment. On 7 and 8 September, peer counsellors
uBuddies helped giving out the wristbands on campus. A photo booth with
educational pamphlets was also set up at Cultural Square to encourage students
to support one another and spread pro-life message on social media. Facebook
live was also conducted by CU Treehole Facebook page in which students
shared what they can do in one minute to support one another.
Take a Minute and you can Change a Life too!
1
Whitlock J, W. P. (2012). Connected & Suicide Prevention College Settings. New York:
Brofenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2017
l
i i
i
“Take a Minute, Change a Life”
Specially designed wristbands for the World Suicide Prevention Day
uBuddies promoting mental health with other
students at Cultural Square
Students having fun at the photo booth
uBuddies giving out wristbands and pamphlets
at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall
7
SPOTLIGHT
NOV 2017
UMP
大學廣場
