Breaking the Silence
Empowering Conversations for Suicide Prevention
30 September 2024, 8:15am EST
About the Webinar
Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people globally, yet the conversation around it remains stigmatized and misunderstood. In this webinar, Generation Mental Health aims to break the silence surrounding suicide and empower individuals, particularly youth, with the knowledge and tools to prevent it.
This event will highlight key factors linked to suicide, explore the healing power of storytelling, examine the influence of media, and provide support for those affected by suicide. Our goal is to foster a community of understanding, empathy, and proactive mental health advocacy to save lives.
Objectives & Topics:
Storytelling as a Tool for Healing:
Stories have the power to heal and connect people. In this session, individuals with lived experiences of suicide, either personally or through loved ones, will share their stories. These narratives will emphasise resilience, hope, and the importance of seeking support. Participants will learn how storytelling can be a transformative tool for healing and advocacy.
Speaker: John Mwangi
Role of Media in Shaping Mental Health Conversations:
The media plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes toward mental health and suicide. This session will explore how media portrayal, including language use and reporting on suicide, can either contribute to stigma or promote understanding and prevention. The session will also feature insights from the WHO guide on using appropriate terms such as “died by suicide” rather than stigmatizing phrases.
Speaker: Tanmoy