World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Significance and Themes

WSPD is the annual international event that occurs on September 10th to increase commitment to preventing suicides all over the world. The day is observed by IASP with its partners which are WHO and WFMH.

History and Purpose

WSPD was first conducted in the year 2003 and its main objective was to increase the public’s awareness of the existence of suicidal behaviour and how it could be prevented.

WSPD is intended to bring knowledge about the fact that it is one of the most important causes of death that has an impact on different levels of society, and mental and financial well-being.

More than 700,000 suicides occur every year in the world and each suicide has an impact on numerous people.

2024 Theme: A New Story on Suicide

The major theme of WSPD for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narratives on Suicide” with a focus on “Telling our Stories”. This theme’s perspective encourages people, societies, companies, and authorities to discuss suicide and suicidal behaviour in its simplest terms.

Some examples of how to change the narrative on suicide include:

• Addressing the stigma and taboo surrounding suicide
• Promoting mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior
• Engaging in conversations to raise awareness and create understanding
• Advocating for policy change and improved access to mental healthcare

Global Participation and Initiatives

• In 2011, an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark WSPD.
• As of 2014, less than 10% of lower-middle-income countries and almost a third of upper-middle and high-income countries had a national suicide prevention strategy.
• India announced its first National Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2022, based on the WHO-recommended model.
• Other initiatives in India include the Mental Healthcare Act (2017) and the Tele MANAS helpline for mental health support

Main Themes (2024-2026)

• Changing the Narrative on Suicide: This theme highlights the need to transform societal perceptions of suicide from silence and stigma to openness and support. It encourages communities to engage in discussions about mental health and suicide, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of judgment.
• Call to Action: Start the Conversation: This initiative urges individuals and communities to initiate conversations about suicide prevention. It emphasizes that every dialogue, no matter how small, contributes to breaking down barriers and raising awareness about mental health issues.

Significance of the Themes

The themes aim to:

• Reduce Stigma: By promoting open discussions, the goal is to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, which often prevents individuals from seeking help.
• Encourage Help-Seeking Behavior: The themes advocate for a culture where seeking help is normalized and encouraged, allowing individuals to share their struggles and access necessary support.
• Policy Advocacy: The themes also emphasize the importance of integrating suicide prevention into policy-making, urging governments to prioritize mental health resources and support systems.

India introduced its first National Suicide Prevention Strategy in the year 2022 on the WHO’s model. Other programs in India are the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 and the Tele MANAS mental health line.

WSPD’s 2024-2026 theme, "Changing the Narratives on Suicide," emphasizes the importance of open discussions and reducing stigma around suicide. By creating a supportive environment and encouraging help-seeking behaviour, the global community can contribute to lowering suicide rates and fostering better mental health practices across all levels of society.