Every year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed to promote worldwide action to prevent suicides.
On this day various events and activities are held during this occasion to raise awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.
History of World Suicide Prevention Day
As per WHO, nearly 3000 people on the average die due to suicides daily and for every person, who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. About one million people die by suicide each year.
World Suicide Prevention Day was firstly started in 2003 and is held annually on September 10 as an IASP initiative and the event is co-sponsored by WHO.
World Health Organisation and IASP work with governments and other partners to ensure that suicide are no longer stigmatized, criminalized and penalized.
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Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day aims to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, improve education about suicide, spread information about suicide and decrease stigmatization regarding suicide.
The organizations, government agencies, and individuals a chance to promote awareness about suicide, mental illnesses associated with suicide.
Events and activities for World Suicide Prevention Day include:
- The launch of new government initiatives to prevent suicide.
- Conferences, open days, educational seminars or public lectures.
- Media programs promoting suicide awareness and prevention.
- Memorial services or candlelight ceremonies to remember those who died from suicide.
- Organizing cultural or spiritual events, fairs or exhibitions.
- Launches of publications about suicide awareness and prevention.
- Training courses about suicide and depression awareness.
