World Suicide Prevention Month 2024
Suicide can be defined as an intentional self-inflicted death and is a significant cause of mortality globally. September is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and foster meaningful dialogue around mental health. Recognizing the importance of mental wellness in professional development, The Jamaica Institute of Financial Services (JIFS) had the pleasure of sponsoring and participating in the 16th Annual World Suicide Prevention Day Seminar hosted by Choose Life International on September 10, 2024. This year’s theme, “Let’s Change the Narrative: Start the Conversation,” aimed to tackle one of the most pressing issues in mental health today: the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. Professional development is crucial in this context, as it seeks to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to recognize mental health challenges, engage in supportive conversations, and advocate for effective interventions within their workplaces and communities.