September 10: What You Need to Know About World Suicide Prevention Day
More than 700,000 people commit suicide around the world each year. However, more than twenty times that number attempts to take their life, according to the #WorldHealthOrganization (WHO). Yet millions more consider suicide, making it responsible for affecting countless people worldwide.
For this reason, September 10th is globally recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). WSPD has been observed on that date ever since 2003. It was established by the IASP and the WHO, with the organizations joining hands to raise suicide awareness and influence a decrease in the rising statistics.
WSPD isn't just a placeholder that the WHO announces each year. 10 September sees countries from all around the world observing the day through activities that are designed to increase commitment toward preventing suicide. While as many as forty countries attended WSPD in 2011, non-governmental organizations and public offices worldwide participated in the day's activities.
Awareness of suicide and its prevention is typically raised through seminars, public meetings, and public service announcements. Workplaces might hold special sessions or notify employees through emails or work memos. Similarly, educational institutes conduct workshops on mental health awareness for suicide prevention.
The Mission for World Suicide Prevention Day
"Creating hope through action"; is the mission of WSPD this year and has been for the last three years. While it isn't necessarily a religious or dogmatic message, the organizers of WSDP wish to let people know there is hope. WHO and the #InternationalAssociationforsuicideprevention IASP aim to inform people about how harmful suicide is and how precious it is to live.
This hope is created via action, which is what WSPD is about. It lets people know how harmful suicide can be to society. More importantly, WSPD aims to tell people that they are not alone. By telling people that suicide is not the way, we can encourage them to seek help and get better.
Furthermore, it tells other people to be aware of the topic's sensitivity and seriousness of mental health issues. It's not something to be scorned or made fun of. Instead, society is supposed to recognize the problems faced by many people and help them through the ordeal rather than shunning them.
Finally, WSPD aims to bring down barriers to seeking help. In many parts of the world, suicide is a taboo topic that isn't discussed openly. Many who consider suicide do not seek help for this exact reason. It is essential to break down these barriers to create the necessary hope, precisely what WSPD is designed to do.
For more information on how to find help anonymously or to help someone overcome their mental health issues, please click the link below and share this article as much as possible.