World Suicide Prevention Day 2021: History, Theme And Significance. Here's All You Need To Know

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10th every year to highlight various ways by which suicide can be prevented.

Suicide is an act of intentionally taking one¡¯s life and it is a major public health issue, especially during the testing times of pandemic and periods of lockdowns. Every 40 seconds someone in the world take their life, with 75% cases from the low and middle-income countries. Approximately 1.3% of deaths in 2019 were due to suicide.

However, this can be prevented if one notices any early warning signs.

World Suicide Prevention Day: History

This day was marked on September 10, 2003, for the first time as an initiative by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) who teamed up to create a day dedicated to a very important message: suicides are preventable.

The first year of the day was a success, so in 2004, the WHO formally agreed to co-sponsor the event again, making it an annually recognized day. On the first World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003, World Health Organization's prevention campaign from 1999 was mentioned. In 2011 about 40 countries organised awareness events to mark the occasion.

Each year, IASP organizes hundreds of events or programs in more than 60 countries to celebrate the day.

By stepping closer and reaching in we can encourage those with suicidal thoughts to reach out. Take action this World Suicide Prevention Day. You can #bethelight. pic.twitter.com/zDuFIrCR9N

¡ª IASP (@IASPinfo) September 8, 2021

World Suicide Prevention Day: Significance

The day is commemorated every year with the aim of creating awareness among people to avoid committing suicide and prevent it. It also aims to develop capabilities and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention, and the strengthening of countries if needed.

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Warning Signs To Help Prevent Suicide

Some people who contemplate taking their life may voice their ideas by either talking about death, spending several hours thinking about it or researching ways to end their life. Others may say, ¡°they are a burden on others and want to get away from the emotional/physical pain¡±.

Giving away valuable possessions, writing a will or writing a suicide note/goodbye message are some of the other warning signs. Some may seem depressed or have a lot of mood swings. Othera may even isolate themselves and stop picking calls or responding to messages.

We continue to support our #lightacandle campaign in acknowledgement & support for #suicideprevention & to enable those bereaved to remember a lost loved one & for the survivors of suicide. Download our #WSPD banner in various languages here ?https://t.co/dNxoTWavEX pic.twitter.com/bM9oiPgnsh

¡ª IASP (@IASPinfo) September 2, 2021

World Suicide Prevention Day 2021: Theme

This year's theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is 'Creating Hope Through Action'. During the darkest moments of a person, creating hope and lighting in with confidence may provide strength to struggle. Actions to create hope may be different in different roles, it may be in the role of mentor, teacher, parent or guide etc. Prevention of suicide is often possible, provided there is a key player to support it.

This year¡¯s #WorldSuicidePreventionDay is exploring the theme of ¡®creating hope through action¡¯.

Throughout this week members of the Samaritans Scotland team will be sharing what brings them hope in their day-to-day lives.

First up is our Influencing Manager @DaniRowley ? pic.twitter.com/kNMrK8nJHl

¡ª Samaritans Scotland (@Sams_Scotland) September 7, 2021

Listening to a person who is having suicidal thoughts in a non-judgmental way and lending a listening ear can be very reassuring. Encourage them to share their thoughts, land let them express what emotional turmoil they are going through can defuse the situation.

In 20 countries around the world, death by suicide remains a criminal offence. Criminalising suicide does not deter people from taking their lives, but it does deter them from seeking help in a moment of acute crisis and receiving the support they need.

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