❤️🩹World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 - 10th September
This day is observed every 10th September since 2003 as an International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP initiative).
This event is also co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
The theme for 2021-2023 as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention is ‘Creating Hope Through Action
The aim of World Suicide Prevention Day is to:
Improve education on the subject of Suicide
Raising awareness that suicide can be prevented
Spreading suicide awareness information
To decrease stigmatization regarding suicide
Let people who are struggling know that they are not alone.
A bit of background on the subject.
On average nearly 3000 people commit suicide daily according to the World Health Organisation. For every individual who completes the action of suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.
About 1 million people die by suicide every year. There is strong evidence indicating that adequate prevention can reduce suicide rates. Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses that address these main risk factors.
The World Health Organization - WHO has created a way for every to take part in this awareness day. This is mostly centred around the fact that ‘One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds
WHO has made some hashtags you can ‘share your messages, photos, illustrations and videos that are not private on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #40seconds. Include #WorldMentalHealthDay in your posts.
Here are some of the ideas WHO have highlighted for this awareness day
If you are struggling, take 40 seconds to kickstart a conversation with someone you trust about how you are feeling.
If you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, take 40 seconds to start a conversation and ask them how they are doing.
If you work in media, highlight the 40-second statistic in interviews, articles and blog posts.
If you work in the arts or on digital platforms, interrupt your production or broadcast to transmit a 40-second message about mental health or preventing suicide.
If you are an employer or manager, take 40 seconds to formulate a positive message of support to your employees about resources available to them in the workplace or local community in times of mental distress.
If you want your leaders to hear your request for action, record a 40-second audio clip or video telling them the action you want them to take on suicide prevention and mental health.
If you have a platform for communicating with a large audience (social media, television, radio), provide 40-second slots for sharing mental health stories and messages.
If you hold political office, communicate publicly about the action you are taking to promote mental health and prevent suicide, highlighting the 40-second statistic.
Key Facts and Figures
Suicides are preventable
One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds
A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 - 29-year-olds
Suicide affects people of all age groups in all countries.
Hope you find this article helpful