World Suicide Prevention Day 2023: Theme (Creating hope through Action), Date, Key Facts, Significance & History

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is observed on Sunday, September 10. More than seven lakh people every year commit suicide and there are many others who make failed attempt towards suicide. With each suicide dies a family and even communities are affected by these tragic events and the long-lasting effect that they have. With a right approach, suicide can be prevented and much needs to be done for their prevention at individual, community as well as national levels.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10 with the aim to raise awareness among people and nation towards this heartbreaking act and come together for its prevention.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 Date

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 Overview

Key Facts to Note

1. Every year more than 700 000 people die due to suicide.
2. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
3. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death and is most common among teenagers (15-19 year-olds).
4. 77% of global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries but cases can be seen in high-income countries as well.
5. The most common methods of suicide globally are ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms.

World Suicide Prevention Day Significance

In a report by World Health Organization, around 703,000 people commit suicide every year. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making an attempt toward suicide and far many more have serious thoughts of suicide. There are millions of people out there suffering from intense grief most of whom might be stricken with suicidal thoughts, who knows. A suicide not only causes death of a person but others who are related are affected gravely too.

It is therefore important to raise awareness and reduce stigma following suicide and with this goal World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed on 10 September 2023. By encouraging well-informed action, instances of suicide around the world can be reduced to a great extent.

History of World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO).

The day highlights the significance of setting suicide prevention as an urgent public health agenda by countries, especially where there is low access to mental health services and availability of evidence-based interventions are lacking.

Who is at risk of suicide?

People suffering from mental health disorders like depression or those with alcohol use disorders are prone to commit suicide in high-income countries. In low to medium income countries, people suffering from crisis like life stress, financial problems, relationship issues, illness and chronic pain are more likely to have suicidal tendencies.

Suicide prevention and control

A number of measures can be taken for suicide prevention and control. These actions can be taken at person, family, community and even national level to prevent suicidal tendency among individuals. ‘Live Life’ is an approach taken by WHO that recommends the following interventions for suicide prevention and control.

• limit access to the means of suicide
• foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents
• identify, assess and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviors
• interact with media for responsible reporting of such cases.

How to observe World Suicide Prevention Day 2023?

Many nations around the world take active part in this special day and organize events throughout the year to help and support individuals with suicidal thoughts. Seminars and workshops on how to help those with suicidal tendency are also organized by many government and non-government organizations. On an individual level too there is much that can be done to prevent suicide among people.

In words of IASP, “every person can act as a beacon of light to those in pain” and this can be very effective to prevent suicide. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis and encourage understanding about the issue. The campaign slogan for World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope through Action. The day will also have a social media appearance and can be observed with the Hashtag #WorldSuicidePreventionDay.

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