Changing the narrative on World suicide Day

Yesterday, September 10 was World Suicide Day, a day set aside to raise awareness on the importance of showing love to suicidal people and reducing stigma.  Suicide is a major public health challenge with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally.

Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences which deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.  The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation.”

This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking and calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.

Young people are particularly vulnerable. In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among young people from 15 to 29 years of age. According to the 2022 World Mental Health Report, issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), young people and women have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s social and economic fallout.

Much can be done to prevent suicide at the individual, community and national levels. In line with the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, everyone has a role to play in “creating hope through action” to prevent suicide.

As a starting point, WHO recommends, in its LIVE LIFE guide for suicide prevention, the implementation of four key evidence-based interventions: limiting access to means of suicide, such as firearms and highly hazardous pesticides; educating the media regarding responsible reporting on suicide; fostering adolescent social-emotional skills and  early identification, assessment, management and follow-up of people affected by suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

By raising awareness and implementing well-informed interventions, individuals, communities and countries can create hope through action, reducing suicide.

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