September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day

"By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can be the light," the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

• More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year.
• Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.
• 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

WHO’s approach to suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:

• limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications);
• interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;
• foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents;
• early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

(IASP, 2022)

More information:
World Health Organization
International Association for Suicide Prevention
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