Its World Suicide Prevention Day And You Need To Reconsider The Story.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed on September 10 of each year since 2003, employs a global mobilization to raise awareness, and offer salvation from suicide.
Coordinated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) together with the World Health Organization (WHO), WSPD was created to: raise awareness that suicide is preventable; improve education about this hugely complex issue, and show that practical changes are needed in mental health provision.
Given suicide continues to be a major public health concern, the question is therefore how we can make it easier for those who need support. The theme for 2024-2026, changing the Narrative on Suicide underscores its focus to create a shift in public perception and understanding of suicide.
A Global Health Challenge
While suicide is a personal tragedy, it also poses significant public health problem. The WHO indicates that each year, more than 700000 people die by suicide: one person dies every 40 seconds. These horrifying figures highlight just how far-reaching the crisis is, affecting individuals and families as well as whole communities around the world. Furthermore, for every suicide death there are many more people who attempt group or feels suicidal. Infidelity can often have incredible social, emotional and financial costs since it not only affect the individual but also mainly cause pain of loss for your own family.
Standing Up: Talk About the Stigma and Misunderstanding
Stigma remains one of the largest obstacles to successful suicide prevention. Suicide is a taboo topic denoted through silence, misunderstandings and criticism. Too often this leads people suffering from suicidal thoughts to avoid reaching out for help due to potentially being judged, stigmatized as weak and not man or lady enough. That silence in society can support the emergence of feelings more isolation, depression and hopelessness which leads to suicidal behaviour.
Suicide Changing the Narrative is a three-year theme designed to combat that stigma. Together, the campaign is a call to action that reads “Start the Conversation”, for people everywhere to talk candidly about suicide and mental health, or just be simply aware of what it means in someone else’s life. It represents a medical concern—not a moral one and certainly not an indication of weakness, but rather the end result when mental health conditions like depression, anxiety. Holding these types of critical conversations can help anyone who is struggling be open about what they need before their own better fails to address escalating crisis.
Open Dialogue is Important
Suicide is a tough subject to discuss, but it’s one of the most powerful ways we can work towards prevention. Honest dialogue, is about enabling each other to be able to safely share their pain with the confidence that they will not get judged for it. Establishing a dialogue-friendly environment can tactilely dismantle the many walls of isolation that typically come with mental health battles. It fosters understanding, empathy and connection — all so important to ensure everyone is reminded that they are not alone.
On a macro level, discussing suicide openly advances advocacy work and influences the creation of policies supporting mental health. The government, organizations, and communities have a part in increasing public mental health literacy as well promoting the idea of establishing suicide prevention programs. Such initiatives may involve mental health counselling, crisis intervention services; social supports in communities and public awareness campaigns to promote understanding of basic facts about mental health disorders and suicide.
Collective Responsibility on Suicide Prevention
Preventing suicide cannot happen just through the actions or efforts of one individual, be they a sole actor working in isolation from society. Governments must also provide reductions in mental health funding, education and healthcare services to ensure that those are at risk have access to the support. Mental health programs should be benchmarked in schools and workplaces that foster wellness through early intervention. Communities need to be places where everyone is welcomed and feels valued. And each one of us has a part to provide — by extending compassion and love without prejudice.
Do not be afraid to contact someone if you see the signs of suffering or they talk about feeling hopeless. Even just beginning the conversation with is “How are you really?” will enable a better conversation to take place and perhaps even inspire this person in your life to get the professional support they need. Even if you are not a mental health professional, listening without judgement and referring individuals to resources like hotlines or medical professionals is still helpful.
Changing the Narrative, Saving Lives
World Suicide Prevention Day is an important initiative, reminding us all to take action by reaching out and supporting those who are struggling with their mental health. With the theme for 2024-2026, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” we are called upon to shift our values and ensure a society where no one gets ignored. Because, by talking and listening to one another and encouraging each other about mental health we can develop a society where others do not feel loneliness or insignificance but rather heard, recognized, loved. Let’s save some lives and offer some hope to those who need it most.
