World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around he world since 2003.
Various events and activities are held during this occasion to raise awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.
Background :
Nearly 3000 people on average die by suicide daily, according to WHO. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. About one million people die by suicide each year.
Suicide is the second major cause of death among young people 15-29 years of age. The most common methods of suicide are ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms globally.
Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psychosocial, cultural and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses that address these main risk factors. There is strong evidence indicating that adequate prevention can reduce suicide rates.
World Suicide Prevention Day, which first started in 2003, is annually held on September 10 each year as an International Association of suicide prevention (ASP) initiative. WHO co-sponsors this event. WHO and IASP work with governments and other partners to ensure that suicide is no longer Stigmatized, criminalized or penalized. WHO's role is to build political action and leadership to develop national responses to prevent suicide, strengthen national planning capacity to establish the core building blocks of such a national response, and build the national capacities to implement these responses.
Suicide Prevention Day aims to:
1. Raise awareness that suicide is preventable.
2.Improve education about suicide.
3. Spread information about suicide awareness.
4. Decrease stigmatization regarding suicide.
Suicide Risk Factors:
Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status may feel suicidal at any point in their lives. Even someone who seems to by or to "have it all" can be vulnerable to suicide. There certain risk factors to be aware of, though. The situations, conditions, and other factors that put some people at a greater risk of becoming suicidal are: Having a mental illness, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or conduct disorder and especially an untreated mental illness having a substance use disorder Being seriously ill, living with a chronic or terminal illness, or being in significant, long-term pain Suffering from a traumatic brain injury Stressful life situations, especially those that are prolonged, including bullying or relationship problems Sudden stressful or traumatic situations, like the loss of a loved one, Having access to lethal means, Being exposed to another person's suicide, Past suicide attempts, family history of suicide. Having risk factors for suicide does not mean that it is inevitable. If you or someone you care about has one or more of these, though, you need to be especially aware of and on the watch for warning signs.
Warning signs of suicide:
There isn't really any typical pattern of behavior for someone who is suicidal, but there are common warning signs. You may see one or more of these in someone contemplating suicide. The signs that are generally clear and easy to observe are: Talking about dying or wanting to die, Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no way out of problems, Mentioning strong feelings of guilt and shame, Talking about not having a reason to live or that others would be better off without them, Social withdrawal and isolation, Giving away personal items and wrapping up loose ends, Saying goodbye to friends and family.
How to Talk to someone who is feeling suicidal:
If you suspect that a family member or friend may be considering suicide, talk to them about your concerns. You can begin the conversation by asking questions in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way. Talk openly and don't be afraid to ask direct questions, such as "Are you thinking about suicide?" During the conversation, make sure you stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone, acknowledge that their feelings are legitimate, offer support and encouragement, tell them that help is available and that they can feel better with. Make sure not to minimize their problems or attempts at shaming them into changing their mind. Listening and showing your support is the best way to help them. You can also encourage them to seek help from a professional. Offer to help them find a healthcare provider, make a phone call, or go with them to their first appointment. It can be frightening when someone you care about shows suicidal signs. But it's critical to take action if you're in a position to help. Starting a conversation to try to help save a life is a risk worth taking. If you're concerned and don't know what to do, you can get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline.
Observation:
World Suicide Prevention Day gives organizations, government agencies and individuals a chance to promote awareness about suicide, mental illnesses associated with suicide, as well as suicide prevention. Events and activities for World Suicide Prevention Day include: The launch of new government initiatives to prevent suicide. Conferences, open days, educational seminars or public lectures. Media programs promoting suicide awareness and prevention. Memorial services or candlelight ceremonies to remember those who died from suicide. Organizing cultural or spiritual events, fairs or exhibitions. Launches of publications about suicide awareness and prevention. Training courses about suicide and depression awareness. Many of these initiatives are celebrated in various countries worldwide. Some of these events and activities are held at a local level, while others are nation-wide. Many communities around the world reaffirm their commitment to suicide prevention on World Suicide Prevention Day.
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