World Suicide Prevention Day 2021: ‘Creating Hope Through Action’

Overview

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented. The first World Suicide Prevention Day was successfully launched in Stockholm, on 10 September 2003 as an initiative of IASP and the World Health Organisation (WHO), designating the day as a way of focusing attention on the problem world-wide and confirming the message.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Problem

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.

Every year, 160 million people worldwide contemplate suicide and, tragically, 800,000 of them die by suicide. This means that more than 159 million people survive suicide related crises every year.

• An estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year. (WHO)
• Over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 were the result of suicide. (WHO)
• The global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women. (WHO)
• Over half (58%) of all deaths by suicide occur before the age of 50 years old. (WHO)
• Suicide occurs across all regions in the world, however, over three quarters (77%) of global suicides in 2019 occurred in low and middle income countries. (WHO)

2021 theme:‘Creating Hope Through Action’

‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention. Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.

Source of info: The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

Related

• Depression and Suicide: The Hidden Crisis
• World Suicide Prevention Day 2020
• Develop and implement strategies to prevent suicide and promote mental health
• World Suicide Prevention Day 2019: Working Together to Prevent Suicide!
• ”Working Together to Prevent Suicide” World Suicide Prevention Day 2018
• ”Take a minute, change a life”- World Suicide Prevention Day 2017
• World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September, 2016
• “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”- WHO
• Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives #World_Suicide_Prevention_Day
• World Suicide Prevention Day -2014; Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.’