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World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated every year on 10 September. It aims to raise awareness about the growing cases of suicide and ways to prevent it effectively. Suicide is considered one of the major public health issues. It leads to social, mental, emotional, as well as economic loss. According to WHO, as per an estimate, more than 7 lakh suicides are held worldwide in a year. Thus, this day aims to raise a voice against suicide and tell people that they are not alone with their thoughts. World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) conduct this day in partnership with each other. Keep Reading to get more insights on this World Suicide Prevention Day!
Table of Contents
History of World Suicide Prevention Day
- World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003.
- It was started by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in affiliation with WHO.
- It is an important day which aims to advocate the prevention of suicides around the world by communicating with governments, organisations, and the general public.
- The main objective behind the day is to direct the focus of the people on the issues related to suicide and eradicate the stigma of raising the voices on issues related to suicide. In addition, this day also aims to induce a message in every sector of society that suicides are preventable.
Also Read: World Teen Mental Wellness Day
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 Theme
The theme for World Suicide Day 2024 has not been released yet. We will update it here once the International Association for Suicide Prevention releases the theme. Like every year, there was a theme in 2023 which was, “Creating Hope Through Action”. The theme generated a message that suicide could be prevented through our encouraging and strengthening actions for those who are suffering from depression and other mental and health issues.
IASP has provided some ways to spread awareness of WSPD:
- Cycle around the globe from 10 September to 10 October
- Light a candle
- Organize a private event with the agenda to raise awareness for suicide prevention
- Use social media platforms to educate and aware public of suicide and its causes and how can it be prevented.
- Use hashtags on social media captions such as #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #CreatingHopeThroughAction #WSPD2023 #BeTheLight.
Also Read: World First Aid Day
Key Aspects of World Suicide Prevention Day
People who feel unsatisfied or who are experiencing some major health issues, or students who cannot take the pressure of studies generally tend to commit suicide. As an individual, it’s the duty of all of us to protect our community and help the needy. People who commit suicide tend to do so because they do not find any other option. Such people are either experiencing depression or are not confident.
Through this day, all of us can play a vital role in preventing suicide. Given below are the key aspects of the world suicide prevention day:
- Raise awareness and plan suicide prevention strategies.
- Offer support to friends and families of the person who commits suicide.
- Promote open conversation and encourage people to seek help when needed.
- Prevent stigma and highlight resources.
- Advocate for Policy changes.
Also Read: World Patient Safety Day
What is the Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day?
WSPD or World Suicide Prevention Day holds great significance in removing the stigma associated with having open discussions about mental health. Here are other points summarising the significance of this important day:
- WSPD aims to raise awareness about suicide and other mental health issues.
- It highlights the importance of mental well-being along with physical well-being.
- The day encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to take measures to prevent suicide cases through campaigns and programs.
- It educates individuals about the signs of suicidal behaviour and how to offer the right support to individuals.
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FAQs
A. IASP has launched a ribbon that is universally accepted for suicide prevention. The colour of the ribbon for World Suicide Prevention Day is yellow and orange.
A. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is Creating Hopes through Action. This is the triennial theme from 2021-2023. It is a powerful call to action to raise awareness and tell people that there is an alternative to suicide and it can be prevented.
A. The message of Suicide Awareness Day 2023 is that every life lost due to committing suicide can be prevented if the person gets help. The day is denoted to remove the stigma against suicide.
Let us know your views on how you celebrated World Suicide Day in the comment section below. Keep reading Leverage Edu blogs to stay informed about the news and things that are happening in the world of education!