Suicide prevention in all areas is key

-Automatic translation

This year, the focus was on suicide prevention, and the main speaker was Professor Rory O'Connor, researcher, author and president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

Guðrún Jóna from Lífsbrú reiterated the importance of prevention at all levels, to prevent suicide, catching people if they experience suicidal thoughts and also the importance of support following a suicide. Dr. Berglind Guðmundsdóttir, a psychologist at Landspítali, talked about the standard assessment and response to suicide risk and the training of employees at the hospital. Gunnhildur Ólafsdóttir, psychologist at the Píeta organisation, spoke about evidence-based treatment and support of Píeta and Dr Tómas Kristjánsson, psychologist, spoke about the role of psychologists in suicide prevention and encouraged psychologists to be leaders in suicide prevention.

At the beginning of the session, there was an open educational talk for the public, during which Dr. Tómas Kristjánsson discussed suicide. The talk starts at minute 17.

Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts must speak about their feelings:

• Red Cross helpline 1717, or online chat 1717.is

• Telephone 1700 or online chat 1700.is

• Pieta association tel. 552-2218 – open 24 hours a day. The Pieta organisation also offers counselling and support for the relatives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

• For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, we suggest grief support at Sorgarmiðstod tel. 551-4141 and at Pieta organisation tel.552-2218.

Further information
Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, project manager