Psynet
Suicide prevention is everybody's business
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Suicide profoundly affects individuals, families, workplaces, neighbourhoods and societies. The Force, as part of society, is by no means exempted from this public health problem that takes away approximately one million lives across the world each year. We should accept that suicide prevention is the responsibility of every Force member.
To support the suicide prevention campaign, the Psychological Services Group disseminated a series of publicity messages on the Force NoticeBoard on POINT from September 2 to 10.
Police Clinical Psychologist Ingrid Mak pointed out that "Positive Living" is another important aspect of suicide prevention. She, therefore, has drawn up a list of "Tips on Positive Living" for the reference of all Force members. Details are as follows:
"Be Positive, Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining"
1. Happiness is not a gift. Learn to be the master of your own emotions. The key to happiness is in your hands.
2. A contented mind is a perpetual feast - Maintain a heart of gratitude and appreciate the good things that happen to you everyday.
3. Muster your courage to face challenges and difficulties. You may not be able to change your stressors, yet you can change yourself and take a positive attitude. Don't be enslaved by your worries.
4. Every coin has two sides. Try to view things from different angles and explore the brighter side of all situations. Nurture your positive thinking ability.
5. Learn to let go things that are out of your control. This will reduce your stress and worries.
6. Focus your effort on things that you can change. This will enhance your sense of control and help reduce feelings of depression.
7. Live with hope everyday.
8. Identify your strengths and bring them out into full play.
9. Care about yourself and establish a healthy lifestyle (e.g. balanced diet, quality sleep and regular exercise). You need a healthy mind and a healthy body to meet the different challenges of life.
10. Manage your time well and avoid overworking yourself.
11. Build up a support network and offer help to others. Show your friends and colleagues respect and care.
12. Don't forget your families. A good family relationship will be your buffer of stress and give you extra energy for your work.
13. Learn from traditional wisdom:
* "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it" - Let's face difficulties as they happen and not worry in vain beforehand.
* "Take a step back. The world will be brighter and more accommodating".
* "Crisis" - Whenever there is a danger, there is an opportunity.
* "Forgive and forget" - Give people a second chance.
14. Break barriers and seek help when necessary - If you are overwhelmed by stress and emotions, consider seeking professional help.
15. If you have encountered any stress-related problem in life, contact the Psychological Services Group either by phone on 2866-6206 or email to psg@police.gov.hk.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Show due care to yourself and others. Live positively, and let's share and enjoy a more enriched life.
References:
United Centre of Emotional Health and Positive Living Webpage http://www.ucep.org.hk
September 10, 2005 was the World Suicide Prevention Day, designated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to drive home the message that suicide prevention is everybody's business. The IASP and the WHO emphasise that suicide prevention, anywhere in the world, should be the concern of not just one single discipline or group of professionals. Everyone should take part to help save lives.