World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed every year on 10th September. Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the purpose of commemorating this day is to focus attention to suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding it and to raise awareness among public, organisations, and the government that it is preventable.
Suicide Awareness: An International Emergency
Around the world every year, an estimated 703,000 people take their lives. And for every suicide, there are around 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more seriously considering it. Millions of people undergo utter grief as a result of these suicides.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of grief and loss of several lives. Also, as a result of social distancing, isolation, quarantine and economic losses, many people have suffered and are struggling with various mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In such extreme times, people get dejected with life and begin contemplating suicide as an answer to their all their pains. Hence, such days as World Suicide Prevention Day is needed all the more for raising awareness, reducing suicide stigma as well as encouraging constructive action.
Creating Hope Through Action
‘Creating hope through action’ is World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 – 2023. It is to remind people that there is always an alternative to suicide and that help is just a phone call away. Spreading the message of hope and support, the campaign aims at highlighting the importance of setting suicide prevention centres and helplines, especially in those countries and areas where access to mental health services is low.
Warning Signs of Suicide
The warning signs to look out for are: hopelessness, anxiety, depression, rage,inability to sleep or sleeping the whole day, extreme moodiness, feeling trapped, seeking revenge, recklessness and risk taking, addictions and social withdrawal.
India’s Plan of Action
According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), ‘suicide is the fourth major cause of death among young people 15-19 years of age. The most common methods of suicide are ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms.’ On World Suicide Prevention Day, India aims to remind its citizens that each one of us can contribute towards suicide prevention in whichever way they can, big or small. As a member of society, we can support those undergoing sucidal crisis and those bereaved by a suicide. Reaching out to people, sharing our own experiences and understanding with a kind empathetic heart, we can collectively act towards bringing the suicide rates down.
Suicides Are Preventable
Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important to make progress in preventing suicide. Communities play a critical role in suicide prevention. They can provide social support to vulnerable individuals and engage in follow-up care, fight stigma and support those bereaved by suicide.
In Conclusion
Let us all join hands as family, friends, co-workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, religious leaders and government officials to rise to the challenge by providing a non-judgemental, compassionate and listening ear to those who might need help. By taking a minute to notice people around us, starting a conversation with those who seem to be struggling, by encouraging people to tell their stories, by letting them speak aloud their grief, by showing genuine concern for them, and by knowledge of resources and a desire for help, we all can make India a suicide free country.