Worldwide, more than 7,000,00,000 individuals take their own lives each year. It ranks third in the world among the causes of mortality for those aged 15 to 29. It is imperative to draw attention to the growing global suicide caseload.
September 10 is designated as World Suicide Prevention Day each year in an effort to raise awareness, lessen stigma, and provide support for those in need. Together with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) created this day to raise awareness of the value of early intervention and community support in saving lives.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”.
The theme aims to raise awareness about reducing stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides. According to WHO, “Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”
With the unifying theme that suicides are avoidable, the International Association for Suicide Prevention was founded in 2003. It attempts to bring concerns to the public’s, governments’, and organisations’ notice each year.
