World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed each year, on September 10, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention collaborates with the World Health Organization and the World Federation for Mental Healthy to host the day.
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. This amounts to 108 million people per year who are profoundly impacted by suicidal behavior.
Suicide does not have one single cause. Be aware of the signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talk about feeling hopeless or having now purpose
- Talk about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
- Talk about being a burden to others
- Increase use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
There are many things that you can do daily, and also on World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), to prevent suicidal behavior. You can raise awareness about the issue, educate yourself and others about the causes of suicide and warning signs for suicide, show compassion and care for those who are in distress in your community, question the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behavior and mental health problems and share your own experiences.
Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many. It takes family, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text SIGNS to 741741 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.
(Sources: International Association for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org)