Reaching out to a suffering person can make a difference

(JB) Luxembourg's Health Ministry has urged residents to reach out to people suffering and help prevent them taking their own lives, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

September 10 is a day for nations around the world to raise awareness about suicide prevention. In Luxembourg, where one in every 50 deaths was caused by suicide in 2014, the Health Ministry has echoed the core global message of this year's day.

“The social support that we can each give plays a fundamental role in the struggle against suicide. Giving time and support to a suffering person can help break the isolation so they can take steps to help themselves,” it said in a statement.

The ministry went on to say that asking a person who is suffering what is wrong without judging or giving simple solutions, can have a significant impact on the people concerned.

Luxembourg recently adopted a National Suicide Prevention Plan for the next four years, aimed at combating the causes and consequences of suicide and at reducing the number of suicide attempts and deaths in the Grand Duchy.

The plan also aims to strengthen individuals, famlies, the community and support structures available to people who need them.

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