You shouldn’t be losing lives to suicide. 

Yet, we do. All the time. Every 40 seconds globally.

And in India, the suicide rate has reached alarming proportions. Closeted by stigma and lack of awareness, mental health is often not given priority. Those who suffer, suffer in pain, often alone, and reach out for that darkness that they hope will end that pain.

It shouldn’t be happening. It does.

What can you do about it?

This September, as we approach World Suicide Prevention Day, proactive action is needed now more than ever. Suicide is preventable, and each of us has the potential to be a force of hope—a hopekeeper—who can guide someone away from despair and back toward life.

World Suicide Prevention Day: A call for action

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed annually on September 10th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about suicide and promoting actions that will reduce the number of suicides worldwide. First launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day serves as a reminder that suicides can be prevented, and each of us has a role to play.

The theme for WSPD 2024 is “Creating Hope Through Action.” This theme emphasizes the importance of our collective responsibility to inspire hope, connect with those in crisis, and work toward building more compassionate and supportive communities. Suicide is a public health problem that affects us all, and it requires both systemic change and individual action to address.

WSPD offers an opportunity to break the silence around mental health and encourage open, honest conversations. By creating safe spaces, reducing stigma, and providing access to support, we can help those in need. Every action counts. Every life matters.

The suicide crisis in India

India’s suicide statistics are sobering. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2021, over 164,000 lives were lost to suicide across the country. That’s nearly 450 people each day—individuals with families, hopes, and futures cut short by despair. This burden is particularly heavy on younger populations, with individuals aged 18-30 constituting nearly 35% of suicides in the country.

The reasons are multifaceted—ranging from mental health issues like depression and anxiety to social and economic pressures such as unemployment, family conflict, academic stress, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue is even more pronounced among Indian women, who account for a staggering 36% of global female suicides. This highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health care and supportive interventions.

While the statistics are disheartening, there is hope. Research has shown that suicide is preventable with the right intervention at the right time. A compassionate conversation, timely assistance, and connecting individuals to professional support can save lives.

Why suicide prevention training matters

While many of us may feel helpless in the face of such a sensitive and complex issue, suicide prevention training empowers individuals with the skills to intervene effectively. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about your community, suicide prevention training equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference.

This training is not about becoming a professional therapist—it’s about becoming a person who knows how to recognize the signs of someone in crisis and offer immediate support. Whether it’s through active listening, engaging in non-judgmental conversations, or guiding someone to professional help, these skills can make the difference between life and death.

Be part of the solution

As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day, we urge you to take a step toward becoming a beacon of hope for those around you. Our world needs more people who are trained, ready, and willing to step up when it matters most. 

MyndStories and Swayam Foundation’s Suicide Prevention Workshop, led by experienced facilitator Shrinkhla Sahai, is designed to provide you with these vital skills. While this workshop offers certification and structured training, the most important takeaway is the ability to contribute to someone’s life when they need it most.

As part of a global movement to prevent suicide, let us remind ourselves that every life is precious. Join us, and let’s be the hopekeepers our world so desperately needs.

For more information about the workshop and to sign up, visit the event page here.

Let us create hope through action, this September and beyond. Together, we can ensure that fewer people face their darkest moments alone.