World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 Sept 2024 – Importance, Theme & History

World suicide prevention day is a global awareness event observed on the 10th of September every year for the last two decades, commemorating the awareness of suicide prevention and celebrating the counteractions made to abolish it.

On this day, the healthcare authorities/organizations urge governing bodies, policymakers, local communities, families, and individual civilians to contribute in generating hope by creating awareness, promoting alternative measures for suicidal deeds and becoming a light to offer support for all those who have lost their loved ones through suicidal act, who are at risk of suicidal act and those who survived.

Importance of World Suicide Prevention Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) opines suicide is a major public health concern that accounts for nearly 10 lakh global deaths annually. It is estimated that there are currently over seven lakh suicides each year worldwide, and it is significantly impacting many more people. In addition, it is the fourth leading cause of death under the age groups of 15 and 29 years.

Various reasons might contribute to committing suicide act, such as old age, chronic diseases, financial problems, family history of suicides, loss of income, marital separation, negative life experiences, physical illness leading to disability, etc. In addition, several mental health problems have been associated with an increased risk of suicide, such as alcoholism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional stress etc. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that depression will be the primary cause of disability globally in the next two years, as it is one of the serious medical conditions associated with a high risk of suicide.

According to a global report in 2019, more than 77% of suicidal acts occurred in low- and middle-income countries. In India, as per a study report conducted during 2014-2021, in comparison to 2014, the majority of the people who committed suicide death at the end of the study (2021) were old age people (above 60 years; male 54.7%; female: 33.6%) and emerging adulthood (between 18–29 years; male 38.8%; female: 6.1%) where the marital status had shown its impact as single had reported with (male 51.7%; female: 23.2%) more suicidal death commitments than currently married (male 35.7%; female 6.0%). The suicide deaths among men (daily wage earners) increased by 170.7% between 2014 and 2021, resulting in a suicidal death rate of 34.6 for men vs. 13.1 for women in 2021.

Success of Yellow Ribbon 🎗️

Today, people from all over the world show their support by wearing a yellow ribbon 🎗️ and promoting awareness with the noise of “suicide can be prevented”. A 2019 research study reported that national suicide prevention programs effectively reduce suicidal rates (decline in suicidal rates in the male age group between 25-44 and 45–64 years). Another research study in 2022 reported that seven suicide prevention programs effectively reduced the suicide rate.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, the World suicide prevention day theme is "Changing the narrative on suicide", which is a continuation of a triennial theme (2024-2026) with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme focuses on increasing awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide involves transforming how we perceive this complex issue and moving from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies prioritizing mental health, increasing access to care, and supporting those in need.

Year by year, the themes for World suicide prevention day are: 

• World suicide prevention day 2023 theme: Creating Hope Through Action
• World suicide prevention day 2022 theme: Creating Hope Through Action
• World suicide prevention day 2021 theme: Creating Hope Through Action
• World suicide prevention day 2020 theme: Working Together to Prevent suicide
• World suicide prevention day 2019 theme: Working Together to Prevent suicide
• World suicide prevention day 2018 theme: Working Together to Prevent suicide
• World suicide prevention day 2017 theme: Take a minute. Change a life.

History of World Suicide Prevention Day

The International Association for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, founded World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in 2003. Every year, on the 10th of September, the goal is to draw attention to the issue, decrease stigma, and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, sending a clear message that suicides are preventable.

Preventive Tips for Reducing Risk of Suicide

As per WHO, the member states have agreed to strive toward a worldwide goal of reducing the suicide rate in countries by one-third by 2030 as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The WHO collaborates with regional countries to increase their efforts toward the global target. The following are the important evidence-based interventions that can aid in reducing the risk of suicide.

• Restricting access to things like pesticides, medications, firearms, etc
• Developing social and emotional competence in adolescents.
• Identifying, assessing, managing and following up on people who are at high risk of committing suicidal acts.

Know more about health awareness days