When is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
Life is precious. When people take their own lives, it shakes entire communities and leaves deep wounds in those left behind. World Suicide Prevention Day breaks the myths and taboos about suicide discussion and promotes policies and awareness about suicidal behavior.
Suicide is not simple, and there’s no formula for talking about it. It happens for so many reasons. Maybe the victim struggled with severe depression, or maybe it was an impulsive decision under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Different people have different motivations.
But, we’re not helpless to watch our loved ones spiral into suicide. Growing recklessness, hopelessness, and sleeplessness suggest despair. Rage, withdrawal from friends and family, and increased alcohol or drug use, are indicators as well. We can notice these signs and talk about them, and maybe save a life in the process.
Compassion and non-judgmental listening can go a long way. World Suicide Prevention Day gives us a chance to learn more about the suffering and the way out for people who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Facts about World Suicide Prevention Day!
- Annually, almost 800,000 people around the world take their own lives.
- Every year, 45,000 Americans commit suicide. It’s the 10th leading cause of death in the States.
- For people between 15 and 24 years old, suicide is the number 2 leading cause of death globally.
- Shakespeare’s “To be, or not to be” monologue in Hamlet is a meditation on suicide and the afterlife.
How to celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day:
- Learn the warning signs of suicide. Look up tips on how to talk with someone who is suicidal.
- Contact anyone in your community who may be distressed. Ask if they’re okay, and be willing to support them if they’re not.
- Take care of yourself. Look up and engage in healthy forms of self-care. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, talk to someone close to you.
What’s the hashtag for World Suicide Prevention Day?
Use #SuicidePrevention and #WorldSuicidePreventionDay on social media to spread the word.