Suicide prevention is a universal challenge. Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds, says the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), which, along with the World Health Organisation, marks September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.
The theme this year is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide” and it will be the same over the next two years. For each suicide, approximately 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected. This amounts to 108 million people per year who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviour.
Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention!
You can make a difference — as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. There are many things that you can do daily, and also on World Suicide Prevention Day to prevent suicidal behaviour by raising awareness about the issue, educating yourself and others about the causes of suicide and warning signs for suicide, showing compassion and care for those who are in distress in your community and questioning the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems.