| Tokyo, Japan — TELL, Japan’s leading mental health non-profit serving the international community, will launch its Fall Move for Mental Health Campaign on September 10th, 2023. Timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day and culminating in the annual Tokyo Tower Climb on October 14, 2023, the Fall Move for Mental Health Campaign will raise awareness and funds to support TELL’s mission to provide mental health support and suicide prevention for the international community in Japan. In 2022, the number of suicides in Japan increased to 21,881. Alarmingly, children and youths of elementary, middle, and high school age accounted for 514 of these deaths—the highest on record. In Japan, suicide remains the leading cause of death by people ages 15 to 39, and it is estimated that there are more than 535,000 suicide attempts in Japan every year. With the increasing stressors and uncertainty in the world, there is a rise in the prevalence of depression and anxiety. However, these important topics remain surrounded by silence and stigma in many communities in Japan. In 2023, TELL is proud to commemorate 50 years of providing ongoing mental health support in Japan. However, there is still much work to be done. Raising awareness and promoting understanding of mental health issues can shatter the stigma and break down the barriers to accessing important support services. We believe that the work needed to address these pressing issues starts with all of us. It is vital that we all understand that receiving support is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather a sign of strength. The Move for Mental Health Campaign is anchored by two key events. You can see more about the events at www.tellevents.org. The Step Up Challenge Date: September 10th — October 10th, 2023 Where: Anywhere in the World What: Walk 21,881 steps individually or as a group to honor the 21,881 lives lost to suicide in Japan last year. (Although it is a walking challenge, it is up to creative interpretation. Do 21,881 of something or an activity you enjoy for 21,881 seconds or 6 hours 8 minutes). Tickets: Adults: ¥1,500 / Kids (12 and under): free For more information visit: https://www.tellevents.org/step-up The Tokyo Tower Climb Date: October 14, 2023, 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM Where: Tokyo Tower What: Teams and individuals come together to race, climb, and walk up the 600 steps of the Tokyo Tower and raise awareness about mental health. Last year’s fastest time was 3 minutes 10 seconds! Will you rise to the challenge? Tickets are limited to 500 people. Tickets: Children (4 – 12): ¥2,500 / Community, School, and Individual: ¥4,000 / Corporate team members: ¥12,500 For more information visit: https://www.tellevents.org/tokyo-tower-climb Press Inquiries: Cole Garrett Development Manager Development@telljp.comMedia Guidelines on Suicide and Mental Health (Adapted from guidelines from ReportingOnSuicide.org) References and additional information can be found at: www.ReportingOnSuicide.org Important points for covering suicide. Suicide is a public health issue and should be covered using best practices. Suicide contagion or “copycat suicide” occurs when reporting contributes to another suicide. Certain types of coverage can increase the risk of suicide in vulnerable individuals. More extensive or prominent coverage increases the risk of additional suicides. Risk increases when the story: Explicitly describes the suicide method, uses dramatic/ graphic headlines or images, uses repeated/extensive coverage, and sensationalizes or glamorizes a death. Covering suicide responsibly can change public misperceptions and correct myths. Responsible coverage can encourage those who are at risk to seek help. |
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| Avoid Misinformation and Offer Hope Suicide is complex. There are multiple causes, including psychiatric illnesses. Research shows that 90% of suicides stemmed from psychiatric illness or substance abuse. There is treatment and help available for mental health issues. Most people who consider suicide\recover and lead happy lives. Include stories of hope, recovery, and information on positive coping skills. Add statement(s) about the many treatment options available, and resources for help. Include up-to-date local/national resources where readers/viewers can find treatment, information, and advice that promotes help-seeking. |
| Suggested Language for the End of Articles Related to Suicide If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. TELL Japan (English): https://telljp.com/ Telephone hotline: 03-5774-0992 (Daily) Online chat: https://telljp.com/lifeline/ Hours vary. Check hours at https://telljp.com/tell-hours/ Yorisoi Hotline (Multiple Languages): 0120-279-338 (Press 2 for Foreign Language) https://www.since2011.net/yorisoi/en/ Emergency Services If you are in danger from yourself or others. Contact the police at 110. Do not hang up until the operator does. Contact 119 for an ambulance or medical emergency. |