Sometimes the simplest messages are the most effective.
Growing up without social media, we didn’t have a “global a day for everything.” Even back then, I remember the term “Hallmark Holiday” as a description for some of the days that were celebrated. Valentine’s Day was an example – even w how common it is now, the idea was, these were “made up” holidays for companies like Hallmark (card manufacturer) & then all types of businesses to sell – flowers, candies, dinners, drinks, etc. The skeptic would say: Shouldn’t every day be Valentine’s Day, where you show an important person in your life that you love them?
Then w the internet & social, we started to get a day for everything, from: International Left Handers Day to World Jumping Jacks Day.
In a way it’s really watered everything down. But…
Right now, suicides are out of control. In the US alone, last yr at roughly 50k losses, this country had the highest suicide total ever on record. The numbers are terrible across the globe too in most countries. So if there was ever a holiday we NEEDED right now, it’s World Suicide Prevention Day.
Imagine everyone telling just ONE person: 1) You matter to me, & 2) No matter what you may feel now or down the road, I’m here to hold your hand & we will find solutions, there is always hope.
Mattering to someone & believing there is hope are the two simplest but effective antidotes we have to suicide. Please make a pledge to share those two messages w at least one person today. We can & will save lives by making it happen.