World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the Narrative

World Suicide Prevention Day: Overview and History

• World Suicide Prevention Day Observed annually on September 10th
• Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and foster global commitment to saving lives
• Recognized as an effective advocacy and communication tool
• Observed in over 60 countries with hundreds of events
• 2024 theme: "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation"
• Theme focuses on reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations
• IASP's Step Closer film viewed over 30 million times in 2020

Global and Indian Suicide Statistics

• Over 700,000 people die by suicide globally each year
• Suicide attempts are 20 times higher than completed suicides
• Third leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally
• 73% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries
• India records one of the highest suicide tolls globally
• 171,000 people died by suicide in India in 2022
• India's suicide rate reached 12.4 per 100,000 people in 2022, the highest ever recorded
• Suicide is a serious public health problem requiring a comprehensive response

Changing Perspectives on Suicide Prevention

• New research calls for a broader approach beyond mental health
• The Lancet Public Health series emphasizes the role of social factors
• Need to shift from viewing suicide as solely a mental health issue

Focus on addressing underlying social factors:

• • Poverty
  • Debt
  • Domestic violence
  • Addiction
  • Social isolation
• Importance of integrating these factors into preventive efforts
• Clinical treatment services remain crucial for those in crisis
• National strategies must address both mental health and social factors

Suicide Prevention Strategies and Initiatives

Awareness of warning signs is crucial:

• • Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped
  • Withdrawing from social connections
  • Sudden mood swings or behavior changes
  • Expressing thoughts of being a burden
  • Making statements about death or self-harm
• Offer non-judgmental support and listen without trying to immediately "fix" the situation
• Encourage seeking help from mental health professionals
• Help reduce access to means of self-harm
• Spread awareness and normalize conversations about mental health

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) initiative:

• • Week-long campaign starting September 6, 2024
  • Activities include poster-making, open mic sessions, slogan writing, interactive discourse, and theatrical performances
  • Engages students from main campus, south campus, and university schools
  • Aims to promote student well-being and raise awareness
• WHO emphasizes the need for timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions
• Comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategies are essential for effective national responses