World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 Today, September 10, 2024, is World Suicide Prevention Day. Across the globe, September is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and reflecting on the value of life.
According to the World Health Organization, over 700,000 people die by suicide each year, with an estimated 20 attempts for every death. One in every hundred fatalities is by suicide. [1] In Canada, around 4,500 people die by suicide each year, which averages 12 deaths per day. It is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults aged 15 to 34. [2]
Suicide is not limited to those with mental disorders. While often tied to deep unhappiness, not all cases are due to mental illness. Many with mental disorders do not exhibit suicidal tendencies, and not all who die by suicide suffer from mental health issues.
Since the release of The Spirits’ Book by Allan Kardec, Spiritist mediums and researchers have provided important insights into this issue. Testimonies from spirits who died by suicide show that we cannot escape life or ourselves as it continues after physical death. Their painful experiences teach us that ending life early leads to consequences far worse than anticipated.
Spiritism emphasizes that we can persevere and face life's challenges. The best way to combat life's hardships is not through avoidance, but by staying calm and maintaining resignation in all circumstances. Earthly life is a time for learning, transformation, and growth for the immortal spirit that we are. [3]
Human beings are destined for happiness and the conquest of the Infinite, which goes beyond space and time. We are all bound to this goal. The pain we feel today, which sometimes makes us want to run from ourselves, is, according to the spirits, the stimulus that pushes us to leave the situations that cause these unpleasant disturbances. No problem is eternal.
If you’re considering giving up, remember: you are not alone. It can be hard to see hope in times of distress, but seeking help is crucial. Consult a doctor who can guide you to the right treatment, helping to release fear, guilt, frustration, and sorrow, and motivating you to move forward with a positive mindset.
Additionally, The Canadian Spiritist Movement is active, with centres across the country offering support, fraternal assistance, public lectures, spiritual passes, fluidified water, and the Gospel at home. Check our website and find a centre close to you. Caring for both our physical and spiritual well-being aligns us with higher thoughts and benevolent spiritual entities, inspiring healthier decisions and promoting well-being.
Let us remember the teachings of the Spirits: “[...] never forget that your existence, no matter how long it may seem to you, is only a fleeting instant in the immensity of time comprising eternity for you.” [4] It is important to use our time wisely so that when we return to the spirit world, it is in God's appointed time. Only then can we fully assess our lives. Our current perspective is limited and material-focused; what may seem like a failure on earth could be a success in spiritual terms.
May today be a day of gratitude for life, a time for new beginnings, and a reminder that we are never alone. We are in this together, supported by countless others—both living and spirit—who consistently send us thoughts of hope and love, always ready to help whenever we reach out.
Thiago Leite
President | Canadian Spiritist Council
References:
[3] Kardec, Allan. The Gospel according to Spiritism; translated by Darrel W. Kimble and Ily Reis. – First edition – Brasilia (DF), Brasil: FEB, 2021. Ch. 5, items 14-17
[4] Kardec, Allan. The Gospel according to Spiritism; translated by Darrel W. Kimble and Ily Reis. – First edition – Brasilia (DF), Brasil: FEB, 2021. Ch. 20, item 2.
Resources:
Help 24/7: 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310)
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