Although it feels as though hardly any time has passed since many of us were enjoying the 2019 IASP World Congress in Derry-Londonderry, 2020 is drawing to a close. Whilst this year has seen many lows, there have also been some positive developments. Here are the IASP Early Career Group’s highlights of 2020.
Boys and Men
What 2020 has brought to the surface is the fragility of our mental health. And no one is immune. We’re seeing a decommissioning of the age-old stigma around mental health that perpetuates an ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ mentality, and instead witnessing how experiencing stress and anxiety is more the norm, a reflection of our common humanity, than an exception. It’s the great equaliser.
Suicide Prevention in Bhutan
Bhutan has launched its first suicide prevention program in 2015 (1) alongside its National Mental Health Program which was in existence since 1997 with an emphasis on building the capacity of primary health care workers in managing mental health and suicide prevention and improve accuracy of reporting.
Taipei: Reflections on a Hybrid Conference from an Early Career Presenter
While I yearned to experience Taipei in-person, exploring the city with its rich history and cultural heritage, and networking with fellow researchers, the hybrid conference presented itself with many benefits.
2020 IASP Hybrid Asia Pacific Conference, Taipei
In association with the Taiwanese Society of Suicidology, we are delighted to have hosted IASP 2020 and hope that many of you were able to join us. We were thrilled to offer this conference to our members and supporters across the globe as a truly hybrid event.
November 21st 2020 – International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
In the frame of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day 2020, the Scientific Director of the Greek Center for Suicide Prevention sends his message signaling the prepublication of the second edition of the Guide for Survivors of Suicide, which will be completed through a participatory process of all those who wish to share their own experience of losing a loved one.
International COVID-19 Suicide Prevention Research Collaboration (ICSPRC)
It is 9 months since WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then the disease has claimed at least 1.5 million lives worldwide. In response to concerns about the impact of the pandemic on suicide and suicidal behaviour, and with support from IASP, the International COVID-19 Suicide Prevention Research Collaboration (ICSPRC) was formed in April 2020.
IASP – Suicide Prevention During COVID-19
On October 14th 2020, thanks to IASP, we held our informal meeting of IASP national representatives. One of the opportunities that COVID-19 allows us is to practice online gathering since we cannot have conferences to meet and chat. Representatives from around the world gathered in a Zoom room to greet one another, share experiences, and start a process of brainstorming and collaboration.
Message from the President
As I conclude my term as President of the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP), I reflect gratefully on two years of wonderful experiences. The conferences, symposiums and meetings I have had the privilege to lead have provided me the opportunity to strengthen relationships with colleagues, expand my skillset and increase my knowledge base of the field.
