World Suicide Prevention Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Suicide Prevention Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated on September 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Suicide Prevention Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you should know about World Suicide Prevention Day.

📅 What day is World Suicide Prevention Day 2024?

In 2024, World Suicide Prevention Day is on Sunday, September 10th. It is the 2nd Sunday in September; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about September 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on September 10th, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day to bring attention to a growing concern. The numbers are shocking, with someone taking their own life every 40 seconds according to the World Health Organization. Annual estimates range from 800,000 to one million lives lost to suicide. It is particularly distressing that suicide is the primary cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 29, and for every completed suicide, there may be up to 40 attempted suicides. It is crucial to remember that there is much worth living for. For more details, please refer to National Suicide Prevention Month.

📜 World Suicide Prevention Day History

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), with the support of the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of the day is to conduct research, gather data, and raise awareness about suicidal behavior. The goal is to identify the reasons behind suicide and the reasons why warning signs are often missed, and to develop effective methods and policies for prevention.

IASP aims to educate the public on recognizing the warning signs of suicide and reaching out to individuals in need. The campaign has been successful, leading to WHO’s collaboration since the second year of the initiative.

WHO initiated a global campaign to prevent suicide in 1999, and the first World Suicide Prevention Day was held in 2003. The main objectives of the day are to organize activities that increase awareness about suicidal behavior, strengthen countries’ abilities to develop and evaluate national policies for prevention, and provide support for individuals suffering from depression and mental health issues.

Events and activities on World Suicide Prevention Day include conferences, seminars, and discussions, policy development, media campaigns, memorial ceremonies, education for adolescents, and the establishment of support groups and facilities for depression and suicide awareness and treatment.

The popular rapper Logic contributed to suicide prevention awareness with his song “1-800-273-8255” in 2017, which increased calls to suicide hotlines. However, it is important to note that stories of celebrity deaths during the same time led to a spike in suicides by 13%.

✅ World Suicide Prevention Day Facts

🔖 Older people are more likely to die from suicide
The age group of adults between 45 and 64 years old has the highest rates of suicide.

🔖 ​Men commit suicide more often
The likelihood of men committing suicide is higher compared to women, while women are more prone to making suicide attempts.

🔖 It’s part of a mental health emergency
Approximately one out of every fifteen adults in the United States experiences depression. However, the positive aspect is that when depression is correctly diagnosed, therapy has been found to be successful in 80 to 90 percent of individuals.

👍 Why Is World Suicide Prevention Day Important

Many individuals know someone who has committed suicide or who has lost a friend or family member to suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is a day to focus on the importance of life and remember that no matter how awful things appear, there is always hope.

According to the WHO, one of the primary purposes of World Suicide Prevention Day is “to increase awareness about suicidal behaviors and how to effectively prevent them.” If a friend has confided in you that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or if you witness a disturbing social media post, call your local suicide prevention hotline. Knowledge makes us more sensitive to societal concerns. We can avoid normalizing contributing variables like depression if we are aware of the numbers and reasons for suicide. Most of us are not content with simply making a living. When we volunteer for causes like this and get to be someone’s hero, it gives us a sense of purpose.

World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder that society needs ongoing and rising advocacy for mental health services so that those suffering from mental illnesses can get the treatment they require. On the National Suicide Prevention Month website, you may learn about the warning signs of suicide. National Suicide Awareness Day not only assists us in identifying warning signals in people closest to us, but also in ourselves. It improves our emotional intelligence and teaches us how to be more resilient.

🙂 How To Observe World Suicide Prevention Day

⚡ Search for resources

⚡ Connect
You can show your support on this day by helping someone who may be struggling with depression and the potential risk of suicide, even if you don’t know them personally. Something as simple as buying food for a homeless person can make a lasting positive difference. It’s important to reach out to individuals who may need assistance, as there are certain behaviors that are commonly associated with suicidal thoughts. By learning how to identify these warning signs early on, we can take proactive measures to help prevent suicide.

⚡ Discuss
World Suicide Prevention Day offers a wealth of materials to help people learn more about the causes of suicide and how to avoid it. There are several books, films, and events available online to help you get started. Knowledge is not only powerful; it may also save a person’s life.

📅 When is World Suicide Prevention Day?

You can view all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about World Suicide Prevention Day. So be sure to check back soon.