Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 every year. The purpose of this day is to make people aware of the fact that suicide can be prevented.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 700,000 people worldwide commit suicide each year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 19. Globally, the most common methods of suicide are hanging, poisoning, and gunshot wounds.
This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope Through Action. It is a reminder to all of us that our actions, big and small, can bring hope to those in the darkest moments. Suicides are preventable. It is important to create community awareness to prevent suicide. Society can play a crucial role in preventing suicide.
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Some of the warning signs of suicide are: despair, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge, acting recklessly or engaging in dangerous activities, feeling trapped without thinking, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from friends, family and society, anxiety, agitation, and mood changes.
A compassionate and empathic person can restore hope to someone who is on the verge of suicide. You can sit with them, ask them what they are doing and encourage them to tell their story.
Spending a minute connecting with a family member, friend, co-worker or even a stranger could change the course of someone else’s life.
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• Take a minute to notice what’s going on with you, your family, friends, and colleagues.
• If you notice something is different, take a moment and start a conversation.
• Take a moment to find out what you can do to help yourself and others.
Sometimes people hesitate to intervene because they don’t know what to say. But empathy, compassion, genuine concern and a desire to help are the keys to preventing a disaster. Another factor that prevents individuals from intervening is the fear of making the situation worse. But evidence suggests this is not the case.
‘If you know someone who is having suicidal thoughts, talk to them, listen with an open mind and offer your support.’