Mental health as a priority
When a person feels in crisis, distressed, alone or on edge, having a friendly voice by their side can make a big difference. The emotional support, non-judgmental listening and confidentiality provided by services such as the Hopeline are essential for suicide prevention, since they accompany these people in their most vulnerable moments.
Suicide is often the result of a complex set of factors including mental illness, stressful life situations, social isolation, trauma and other difficulties. Through preventive measures, such as education, emotional support, and access to mental health care resources, lives can be saved and alternatives provided to those at risk.
How to avoid suicidal thoughts?
Mental health care is essential for the suicide prevention, as it allows you to face difficult times with resilience and seek support when necessary. Many people who suffer from emotional distress or suicidal thoughts often find themselves trapped in feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness. These mental states can intensify if you don't have a supportive environment and tools to manage stress and emotions. Mental health promotion includes aspects such as emotional awareness, coping skills, access to support resources and a network of close people who offer help. With the support of professionals and the understanding of society, it is possible to identify and treat the risk factors that can lead to suicide.
How to build a support network and why is the role of the whole society important?
Building a support network is essential for suicide prevention, as it provides a system of protection, support and hope for those who suffer from emotional distress or are going through difficult situations. A support network consists of a community of people – family, friends, co-workers and professionals – who are ready to offer active listening, understanding and guidance at critical times. Having a support network allows them to open up and get help in a safe environment.
The role of society is crucial in this prevention, because an aware and empathetic community can identify and respond to the warning signs of a person in crisis. Mental health training and education, in schools, workplaces and communities, raises awareness and helps reduce stigma around suicide and help-seeking.
The role of mental health professionals in prevention
Mental health professionals - psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors and social workers - are fundamental in the prevention of suicide. These specialists not only offer therapies and appropriate treatment for people at risk, but can also provide tools for prevention, identification of risk patterns and advice on emotional coping strategies.
How does the Telephone of Hope work?
The Telephone of Hope (93 414 48 48) is an initiative that offers emotional support and accompanies people in crisis in a confidential and non-judgmental way. This organization has a network of 400 volunteers who answer 153 calls a day. The task of these volunteers is to listen and offer a safe space for the expression of the most difficult emotions, offering hope and support in moments of hopelessness. With 55 years of experience, it has become an essential resource for those suffering from emotional distress. With five emotional support services, this organization accompanies people of all ages and situations, offering tools to deal with loneliness, depression and anxiety. Its work is unique in creating a space of understanding and support for those who need it.
This one active listening and respectful helps the person feel valued and understood, which reduces feelings of isolation. For many, talking about their emotions with an empathic person is the first step in beginning to identify their thoughts and emotions and gradually make sense of them and find alternatives. In addition, the fact that this friendly voice is a person trained to handle this type of risk situation, provides more efficient and safer support for these people.