World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is annually observed across the globe on September 10 to spread awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma and help people.
- The day also highlights the importance of mental health awareness, intervention, and support for people who have suicidal thoughts.
Theme:
i.The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for the term 2024-2026 is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action ‘Start the Conversation’.
ii.The theme aims to promote awareness about the significance of reducing stigma and encouraging open discussion in order to prevent suicides.
Background:
i.WSPD was established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003.
ii.The first-ever World Suicide Prevention Day was launched on September 10 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden.
WSPD Symbol & Ribbon:
Symbol: The symbol for suicide awareness is a semicolon (;)
Ribbon: The two-toned ‘orange and yellow’ ribbon is recognised as the universal suicide prevention ribbon, which represents a light of the candle flame.
Key Points:
i.Suicide is an act or an instance of ending one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.
ii.It is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
iii.Every year, 7.5 million individuals die by suicide around the world. Last year, our country had over 1.64 lakh suicidal deaths.
iv.About 73% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO’s Initiative:
LIVE LIFE – It is the initiative of WHO for suicide prevention, which recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:
i.Limit access to suicide methods.
ii.Interact with the media for appropriate reporting of suicide
iii.Promote socio-emotional life skills in adolescents and
iv.Early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviours.
About the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP):
President – Professor Rory O’Connor
Headquarters – Washington DC, United States of America (USA)
Established – 1960
