World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the narrative on suicide

TODAY is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day set apart for awareness and always observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. Annually, it is estimated that 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide; this act has devastating and far-reaching impacts on their loved ones and communities, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, support and systemic change.

Indeed, suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720,000 people every year. Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.

Every year, on September 10, people and organisations across the world will unite to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) under the triennial theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. And this year, particular focus is being placed on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages to ensure the campaign can reach and engage communities around the world.

According to the President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), Professor Jo Robinson, “suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures and communities; as we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone in every corner of the world.”

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Changing the narrative also means driving systemic change. It calls for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, urging governments and institutions to take action. This includes developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, improving access to quality care, and ensuring that those in distress receive the support they need.

Changing the narrative on suicide is a conscious step towards transforming silence, stigma, and misunderstanding into openness, empathy and support. It is about encouraging individuals, communities, organisations and governments to act with key messages:

The key messages include:

• Awareness and understanding: Talk openly and compassionately about suicide, challenging myths and breaking down stigma.

• Policy: Advocate for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies.

• Action: Take part in training, share stories, and check in with loved ones.

• Conflict Areas: Ensure those affected by crisis and instability have access to mental health care and protective support.

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides a powerful opportunity every year to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire action.

Everyone has a role to play. From individuals checking in with loved ones, to communities creating safe spaces, to governments enacting policies and allocating resources—together, we can change the narrative and work towards a world where suicide is prevented, and every life is valued.

The triennial theme calls on everyone to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support, creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.

Each year, on 10 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.

Prevent suicide today because tomorrow’s too late.