World Suicide Prevention Day 2023: Date, History, Significance, Facts

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023: 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 Organization (WHO), one person commits suicide every 40 seconds. According to some estimates, this is closer to 1 million persons annually. 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 counseling 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. It’s essential therefore to have discussions around mental health, making it easier for others to talk about the tough times they are going through and seek professional help if necessary.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 to raise awareness of the growing, yet largely preventable, problem of suicide.

WORLD DAY FOR THE HISTORY OF SUICIDE PREVENTION

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 Organization (WHO). Approximately 800,000 individuals commit suicide each year. The preponderance of these occur in developing and underdeveloped nations. These numbers are shocking given that suicide is preventable. Undiagnosed and untreated mental illness is the leading cause of suicidal behavior.

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The day is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization and the World Federation for Mental Health. The purpose of the day is to conduct research and collect data on suicidal behavior, ascertain its causes and why its warning signs go unnoticed, and develop effective suicide prevention practices and policies.

IASP intended to raise awareness by educating the public on how to recognize 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:

“Organization of global, regional, and national multisectoral activities to raise awareness of suicidal behaviors 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 organizations 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 centers 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%.

1,532 personnel of CAPFs, NSG, Assam Rifles died by suicide since 2011: Govt

5 SOBERING FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE

1 in 15 American adults suffer from depression but the good news is that 80-90% 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.

WHY WORLD DAY FOR THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE IS IMPORTANT

Numerous individuals know someone who has committed suicide or has lost a friend or family member to suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is a time to reflect on the value of life and the fact that there is always hope, no matter how terrible things may seem.

According to WHO, one of the primary objectives of World Suicide Prevention Day is “to raise awareness about suicidal behaviors and how to effectively prevent them.” Contact your local suicide prevention hotline if a friend has confided suicidal intentions to you or if you come across a concerning social media post. Knowledge increases our sensitivity to societal issues. Understanding the frequency and causes of suicide prevents us from normalizing attributing factors such as depression. Most of us are not contented with just earning a living. Volunteering for causes where we have the opportunity to be someone’s savior gives us a sense of purpose.

World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder that society requires consistent and expanding advocacy for mental health resources so that those afflicted with mental health disorders can obtain the necessary assistance. On the National Suicide Prevention Month website, you can read about the warning symptoms of suicide. National Suicide Awareness Day not only helps us recognize warning signs in our loved ones, but also in ourselves. It enhances our emotional intelligence and teaches us to become more resilient.

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