Yesterday, September 10, was World Suicide Prevention Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of showing love, support, and understanding to those struggling with suicidal thoughts and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. With more than 700,000 deaths by suicide globally each year, it is a critical public health issue that leaves a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is Changing the Narrative on Suicide with the call to action Start the Conversation. This message encourages open dialogue about suicide and mental health, urging people to challenge the silence, fear, and stigma that often surround the topic. By fostering conversations, we can transform how we view and address suicide, moving from a culture of shame and isolation to one of understanding, support, and connection.
At the heart of this year's message is a simple yet powerful idea: every conversation matters. Whether it’s a small check-in with a friend, an honest family discussion, or a larger community effort, starting the conversation about suicide prevention can make a significant difference. These conversations create safe spaces for people to express their feelings, share their struggles, and seek help without fear of judgment.
Shifting the narrative also means understanding that talking about suicide does not increase the risk. Instead, it breaks down barriers, offering support and fostering an environment where individuals can find hope. It’s about creating a society that is proactive in preventing suicides by showing love, care, and willingness to listen.
The theme also highlights the urgent need for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in policymaking. Changing the narrative isn’t just about individuals—it’s about advocating for stronger policies that prioritize mental health care, expand access to support services, and ensure resources are available for those in need.
Governments must implement policies that promote mental health awareness, allocate resources to mental health care, and address systemic issues like economic hardship and access to education that contribute to rising suicide rates. Advocacy at the governmental level is key to creating sustainable change and saving lives.
Young people are particularly vulnerable when it comes to suicide. In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. According to the 2022 World Mental Health Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), young people and women have borne the brunt of the social and economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, further heightening the risk of suicide.
The rising pressures faced by youth, from academic expectations to social media-driven anxieties, make it all the more essential to prioritize mental health in schools, communities, and homes. We must ensure that young people have access to emotional support, counseling services, and safe spaces to express their concerns.