What is International Suicide Prevention Day?
Organized every year on September 10, on the initiative of theInternational Association for Suicide Prevention and theWorld Health Organization, International Suicide Prevention Day (ISPD) is a day of awareness, commitment and action around the world.
The suicide rate in France is one of the highest in Europe. Every year in France, some 200,000 suicide attempts are recorded , resulting in almost 9,000 deaths.
As the national number for suicide prevention, 3114 is mobilizing, with the support of its partners, to communicate with the general public, in a positive and engaging spirit, in order to get people talking about this subject that is still very much taboo in our society.
This year, the Centre François Baclesse is taking part in this awareness-raising day by relaying the national campaign on the national suicide prevention number, 3114, to users, on the internet, via social networks and via posters in the departments.
Because talking about it, encouraging people to speak out, and breaking the taboo around this subject can make all the difference. Let's dare to talk about mental health, and be attentive to signs of distress.
What is 3114?
3114 is the national suicide prevention number. It's free, professional and open 24/7. On the other end of the line are specially trained care professionals, psychologists and nurses. There are currently 17 response centers throughout France, providing professional help to the entire population of mainland France and its overseas territories.
Who should call 3114?
3114 is a number for everyone:
- For people in distress or with suicidal thoughts ;
- For family and friends worried about a loved one or someone in distress;
- For those bereaved or affected by suicide;
- For professionals dealing with a suffering person or seeking information on suicide and its prevention.
How does the phone call go?
During the call, which is confidential but not anonymous, the professionals take charge of the person in distress, with several missions:
- Listen actively, without judgment, with kindness and ask the right questions;
- Assessing suicidal risk;
- Direct to the appropriate resource(s);
- Intervene to help with emotional de-escalation, provide advice, mobilize family and friends, seek solutions, etc. And, depending on the suicidal risk, call in the emergency services to help the person feel safe.
Since its opening on October 1, 2021, 3114 has received over 600,000 calls.
3114, more than just a number
Each 3114 center works in a network with all the services, partners (social, medico-social, associative) and prescribers in its region. This territorial network enablescallers to be directed to the most appropriate resource for their situation, close to where they live.
3114 is also a website with resources and communication tools on suicide prevention for the general public and professionals, as well as 6 social networks, including a Youtube channel featuring interviews, themed videos and the official 3114 spot.
