World Suicide Prevention Day: A Call to Action to Combat Global Crisis

*What is World Suicide Prevention Day and Why Do We Observe It? * 

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed annually on September 10. It is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The day has been celebrated every year since 2003 to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

*Suicide Statistics: * 

According to the World Health Organization, over 700,000 people die by suicide each year. This accounts for 1.5% of all global deaths. Suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29. It is a global crisis, and with a large youth population in India, it poses a significant burden. In 2022 alone, India’s suicide rate reached a record high of 12.4 per 100,000 individuals.

*Causes of Suicide: * 

Suicide does not have a single cause but rather results from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. 

1. *Mental Illnesses: * Depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence. 

2. *External Stressors and Social Factors: * Traumatic life events, childhood trauma, marital conflicts/divorce, temporary illnesses, poverty, and unemployment. 

3. *History of Sexual Abuse: * Particularly among women who have attempted suicide.

*Preventive Measures for Suicide Prevention: * 

1. Providing better and more accessible psychiatric services. 

2. Restricting access to means of suicide. 

3. Encouraging responsible media reporting. 

4. Organizing educational programs. 

5. Improved care for high-risk groups. 

6. Establishing crisis centers and telephone hotlines.

*Objective of World Suicide Prevention Day: * 

– To enhance education about suicide. 

– To spread awareness about suicide. 

– To raise awareness that suicide is preventable. 

– To reduce the stigma associated with suicide.

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages open discussions about mental health. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding suicide and ensure that those struggling know they are not alone. Through collective efforts, we can prevent suicides and build a brighter and hopeful future for all.

Dr Shoeb Khan.

MBBS MD Psychiatry (Resident)
Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital
Pimpri,Pune
Email – [email protected]