World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

10th of September every year is marked as World Suicide Prevention Day, to promote suicide prevention and support those affected by suicide.

This day serves as a touching reminder of the devastating impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Suicide is a major public health challenge; it is a complex and multifaceted issue, with far-reaching consequences.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 people die by suicide every year, making it the 18th leading cause of death globally.

For every suicide, there are countless others who are left to grapple with the emotional and psychological aftermath.

And also, each suicide has a far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequence, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”.

This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.

Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to understanding the complex society.

By initiating these vital conversations, people can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.

This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government’s action.

Changing the narrative also requires advocating policies that prioritise increased access to care, and providing support for those in need.

According to a non-governmental organization, International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), suicide remains a critical global issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide.

Their aim is to inspire individuals, communities, organizations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviours.

According to IASP, every nation, community, and individual is at a different stage in their understanding and awareness of suicide prevention and no matter where you stand, there are many ways to be involved in World Suicide Prevention Day.

People must work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and, encourage those seeking help when needed.

Governments, healthcare systems, and community organizations must prioritize mental health services, ensuring accessible and quality support for those struggling.

Education and awareness campaigns can help identify warning signs and promote help-seeking behaviors.

Individuals can also play a vital role by being supportive listeners, offering non-judgmental spaces for loved ones to share their struggles.

Nigerians must foster a culture of empathy and understanding, recognizing that mental health affects all.

As the nation observe this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, Nigerians must recommit to creating a world where mental health is valued, and support is readily available.

Government on its own must work assiduously to make life more meaningful to the people and reduce if possible, eradicate all tendencies capable of causing hardship and impoverishment in the lives of the people.

By Muhammad Auwal, Edited By Grace Namiji