World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10. It is a developing problem, and the statistics are shocking. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one person commits suicide every 40 seconds. Some estimates place this figure closer to 1 million per year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for persons aged 15 to 29 and for every suicide that results in death, there are as many as 40 attempted suicides. What is certain is that there is much to live for. National Suicide Prevention Month contains additional information.
The theme for this year is ‘Creating Hope Through Action.’ Therefore, let’s collaborate with our family, friends, healthcare professionals, and religious and political leaders to prevent suicide through counselling and support. It is time for us to empower others to take command of their lives and appreciate the one they have.
Did you know that in the United States, suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death? It has the same effect on all age categories. Therefore, it is essential to have conversations about mental health, making it easier for others to communicate difficult times and seek professional assistance when necessary.
The background of World Suicide Prevention Day
As a result of our hectic lifestyles and lack of time to sit and process our thoughts, it is likely that mental health issues and underlying problems go undiagnosed. Every forty seconds, somewhere in the globe, a suicide is committed, according to the globe Health Organisation (WHO). Approximately 800,000 individuals commit suicide each year. The preponderance of these occur in developing and underdeveloped nations. Considering that suicide is preventable, these numbers are shocking. Undiagnosed and untreated mental illness is the leading cause of suicidal behaviour.
World Suicide Prevention Day was established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in 2003. The day is co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation and the World Federation for Mental Health. The purpose of the day is to conduct research and collect data on suicidal behaviour, ascertain its causes and why its warning signs go unnoticed, and develop effective suicide prevention practises and policies.
IASP intended to raise awareness by educating the public on how to recognise the warning signs of someone who is suicidal and how to intervene before it is too late. Due to the initiative’s success, WHO began collaborating with it in its second year.
On the first World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003, WHO’s global suicide prevention campaign from 1999 was mentioned, along with its primary goals:
“Organisation of global, regional, and national multisectoral activities to raise awareness of suicidal behaviours and effective prevention strategies.”
“The strengthening of national capacities to develop and evaluate suicide prevention policies and plans”
IASP and WHO seek to convey to society that anyone can dissuade a suicidal person through the widely endorsed message, “Take a Minute, Save a Life.” Both organisations enable us to aid those affected by depression and raise funds for mental health. National Suicide Awareness Day has acquired popularity for this reason. In the year 2020, a global cycling event held in over 40 countries raised approximately $12,000. Through its Light a Candle Campaign, WHO has also connected with suicide survivors in order to hear their accounts. Currently, IASP comprises experts and volunteers from nearly 77 nations.
World Suicide Prevention Day events and activities include conferences, seminars, and discussion forums; the formulation of new policies for suicide prevention; the use of the media as a tool for promoting awareness; memorial ceremonies to remember those who lost the battle to mental illness; educating adolescents on suicide and who to reach out to for help; and establishing support groups and special facility centres as resources for depression and suicide awareness and treatment.
Through his song ‘1-800-273-8255’, the renowned rapper Logic raised awareness of the suicide hotline number in 2017. The song about a person seeking assistance for suicidal ideation increased the number of calls to suicide helpline numbers. Simultaneously, news of celebrity fatalities increased suicide rates by 13%.
5 SOBERING FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE
One in fifteen American adults suffer from depression, but the good news is that 80 to 90 percent of individuals respond positively to treatment if depression is correctly diagnosed.
Suicide is most prevalent among individuals aged 45 to 64.
Men are more likely to commit suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide.
In the past 45 years, the incidence rate has increased by 60%
Approximately every 12 minutes, someone commits suicide in the United States.
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 10 | Sunday |
| 2024 | September 10 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | September 10 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 10 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 10 | Friday |
If you or someone you know is in crisis
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can contact safety teams at the social media company . They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need.
