World Suicide Prevention Day – 10th September

About 800,000 people across the world end their own lives every year and many more attempt to do so. This roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. A recently released WHO report highlights the sad fact that suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 15 to 29 years age group.  According to 2012 estimates, India is the world’s suicide capital with about 260,000 registered suicide deaths in a year. China comes second at 120,000 cases per year.

Why do people commit suicide?

Suicide is a major public health problem. There are several organizations working towards suicide prevention. Several help lines are available round the clock. Still many people end their lives by committing suicide.

The cause of suicide is complex, having a mixture of social, biological, cultural, and environmental factors. The reasons leading to suicide vary from silly to very serious. Depression seems to be the most common cause of suicide, followed by alcohol use related suicides. In Asian countries, impulsiveness seems to be another leading cause.

Myths and facts about suicide

Myth:  People who talk about suicide do not mean to do it.
Fact: The fact is that people who talk about suicide may be reaching out for help or support.
People who talk about suicide are in fact at a very high risk of committing it.

Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.
Fact: Majority of suicides are preceded by warning signs, whether verbal or behavioral.

Myth: Someone who is suicidal is determined to die.
Fact: Suicidal people are often ambivalent about living or dying. Timely help can save their life.

Myth: Only people with mental disorders are suicidal.
Fact: Suicidal behavior indicates deep unhappiness but not necessarily a mental disorder.

Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea and can be interpreted as encouragement.
Fact: Rather than encouraging suicidal behavior, talking openly can give an individual other options or the time to rethink his/her decision, thereby preventing suicide.

What is being done so far? 

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are committed to preventing suicide. The world suicide prevention day brings individuals and organizations together to work towards preventing suicides and saving lives.

In 2014, the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is 'Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.' Social isolation is one of the triggers for suicide. Strong social bonds and connectedness help prevent it. According to the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 by the World Health Assembly, the goal is set to reduce suicide rates by 10% by 2020.

What can you do?

Let each of us take a step today. Reach out to the people who need help to prevent suicides. Talk to people. Get the local help line numbers, and save them. Refer people to counseling centers and organizations that are striving to get the world rid of suicide. Let’s make the world a better and happy place to live.