One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. This year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation is encouraging you to take ’40 seconds of action’.  This is all the time it takes to improve awareness on the significance of suicide, improve knowledge and let people who may be struggling know that they are not alone – it’s an opportunity to show you care.

Here are some ideas on how you take ’40 seconds of action’ this World Mental Health Day: 

• If you are struggling, take 40 seconds to kickstart a conversation with someone you trust about how you are feeling.

• If you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, take 40 seconds to start a conversation and ask them how they are doing.

• If you are an employer or manager, take 40 seconds to formulate a positive message of support to your employees about resources available to them in the workplace or local community in times of mental distress.

To find out more about World Mental Health Day, click here.