10 September marks the world suicide prevention day to create awareness among people worldwide to prevent suicide through various activities. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. Launched in 2003 along with WHO, IASP organized activities to increase awareness about suicidal behaviours and how to effectively prevent them. It also helped countries strengthen their capabilities and evaluate national policies.
One in every death is a result of suicide. Creating awareness and educating people through a means can prevent such events. World suicide prevention day is an opportunity for us to help the world. Suicide has a direct impact on the people around those committing it.
IASP President Professor Rory O’Connor says; “As we continue to work on our vision of a world where fewer people lose their lives to suicide, we believe “Creating Hope Through Action” is an optimistic message that aims to inspire confidence in people to engage with this complex subject.
- Creating hopes through actions – It is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and to build confidence and show light in all of us. We as a society are the protagonist and our role in this play is to support the people bereaved by it and also to other members of our society.
- Stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking. Changing the narrative around suicide through the promotion of hope can create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help. We can all do something to live in a world where suicide is recognized and we can all do something to help prevent it.
- Helping people by making them believe that you care.
On average, three male suicides are reported for every female one. Conversely, rates of suicide attempts are high in women than in men. Social norms play a significant role in the development of suicidal behaviors. Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses that address these main risk factors.
The COVID – 19 pandemic has contributed immensely in developing feelings of loneliness and isolation and it is the time to bring hope and enlighten their minds and guide them in a righteous path. This will help to create a more compassionate society, where people feel comfortable coming forward to seek help if they need it.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS:-
- Reach in to the people you might know who are struggling or someone who has struggled before.
- Reach out to the people you are comfortable with if you have bad thoughts. Sharing things helps a lot.
- Reconnect with people and establish good connections with them.
- Educate yourself as well as people around you.
- Volunteer to raise awareness about mental health and suicides and its prevention.
So, let us all join hands and help each other in the time of need. Let us all make the world a better place.
Thank you!
