World Suicide Prevention Day: WHO and IASP Urge Open Conversations to Save Lives
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed every year on September 10. It is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness that suicide can be prevented.
Theme and Call to Action
The triennial theme for WSPD is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action ‘Start the Conversation.’ This theme aims to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides.
Importance of Open Conversations
According to WHO, changing the narrative on suicide involves transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It means shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
Suicide Statistics and Impact
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In the Southeast Asia Region, suicide is a major public health concern, with more than 200,000 deaths each year.
Statements from WHO Regional Director
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, stated, ‘Stigma around mental health conditions and suicide means many people thinking about suicide do not seek help. Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities, and societies.’
She added, ‘Let us remember that suicide prevention is not solely about addressing crises but also about building strong, supportive communities where people feel connected and valued. Small acts of kindness, open conversations, and a non-judgemental ear can profoundly impact someone’s life.’
Breaking the Stigma
By breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, we create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help. It is crucial to ensure that everyone knows they are not alone and that there are effective interventions and support systems available.
Role of Family and Friends
Family and friends can be the first to recognize the warning signs and can take the first step towards helping a loved one find mental health treatment. It is also important for them to seek professional guidance in the aftermath of a loved one’s suicide attempt.
Holistic Approach to Public Health
It is essential to take a holistic approach to public health, which encompasses the overall mental health, well-being, and quality of life for all. This approach is the first pillar of the regional roadmap for results and resilience, emphasizing the importance of adopting a mental health, well-being, and quality-of-life lens across all public health endeavors.
Through this lens, we can develop more holistic approaches that promote overall well-being and improve health and quality-of-life outcomes for individuals and communities. This will lead to more open and supportive societies where everyone can ‘start the conversation’ without fear of judgment or stigma.
Every effort counts, every conversation matters, and every life is worth living. Each of us can individually help start the conversation, and all of us together have to create a society where anyone can start the conversation. Let’s build a world where hope prevails and every individual feels supported.
Doubts Revealed
World Suicide Prevention Day -: World Suicide Prevention Day is a special day observed on September 10 every year to raise awareness about preventing suicide and to support people who are struggling.
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a global organization that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
IASP -: IASP stands for the International Association for Suicide Prevention. It is an organization that works to prevent suicide and support people affected by it.
Stigma -: Stigma means having negative and unfair beliefs about something. In this context, it refers to the negative attitudes people have about mental health and suicide.
Saima Wazed -: Saima Wazed is a person who works with the World Health Organization. She helps to improve mental health and reduce the stigma around it.
Southeast Asia -: Southeast Asia is a region in Asia that includes countries like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. It is mentioned because many people in this region are affected by suicide.
