Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). A day that brings together individuals and organizations worldwide to raise awareness about suicide, its prevention, and the importance of mental health support.

Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), WSPD seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage actions that can help reduce its occurrence.

The history of World Suicide Prevention Day

The idea for WSPD was born out of the necessity to address the growing rates of suicide worldwide. According to the WHO, over 700,000 people die by suicide each year, and many more attempt it. In India, 171,000 deaths by suicide occurred in 2022, a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. India also has the highest rate of suicide in the world.

Despite its devastating impact, suicide remains a preventable tragedy, and WSPD serves as a platform to galvanize collective efforts in addressing this global issue.

The IASP and WHO have played pivotal roles in promoting global mental health initiatives. Over the years, various countries and organizations have hosted conferences, community outreach programs, and awareness campaigns in conjunction with WSPD, aiming to educate the public and reduce the stigma associated with suicide.

The theme for this year: “Changing the narrative on suicide”

The theme for 2024, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” focuses on transforming the way society views suicide and those affected by it. For years, the stigma surrounding suicide has prevented open dialogue and meaningful support, often leading to a culture of silence. This new theme encourages breaking that silence, fostering an environment where individuals can freely discuss mental health and seek help without judgment.

“Changing the narrative” aims to shift the focus from blame and shame to understanding, empathy, and prevention. It calls upon everyone—families, communities, organizations, and governments—to actively engage in conversations that challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about suicide.

Tying hope with a ribbon

The symbol of WSPD is the orange and yellow ribbon, designed to foster a sense of solidarity and hope. Each color in the ribbon holds a profound meaning:

• Yellow Represents light, hope, and positivity, symbolizing the bright future that can be achieved through awareness and prevention.
• Orange: Signifies strength, resilience, and the energy needed to engage in efforts to prevent suicide.

Together, these colors form a powerful symbol of life and survival, encouraging conversations around mental health and the importance of seeking help.

Across the globe, the focus is on creating safe spaces where people feel empowered to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. Through education, awareness, and community support, we can work together to reduce suicide rates and promote mental well-being. The day emphasizes that preventing suicide is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

Things you can do to show support

– Volunteer as a mental health advocate. (Sign up to be a volunteer or Ambassador at MyndStories here)

– Take the basic QPR training

– Wear the ribbon as a mark of support

– Write a Letter of Hope

– Hold a candlelit vigil in your neighborhood