September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day

WHY IN THE NEWS?

World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on September 10, 2021.

About:

• The day is observed annually to highlight several ways by which suicide can be prevented.
• It was first marked on September 10, 2003, as an initiative by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
• IASP and WHO collaborated to create this day to spread an important message that “suicides are preventable”.
• Following the first successful year, WHO formally agreed in 2004 to co-sponsor the event again and made it an annually recognized day.
• In 2011, around 40 countries organised awareness events to mark this occasion.
• IASP organizes several events or programs across 60 countries to mark this day.

Cases of Suicide

Suicide is an act of intentionally taking one’s life. It has become a major public health issue in the time of Covid-19 pandemic and periods of lockdowns. As per report, every 40 seconds someone take their life in world. Around 75% of the cases are reported from low and middle-income countries. In 2019, 1.3% of deaths were due to suicide. According to the World Health Organization, suicide is a global phenomenon, which was the 17th leading cause of death in 2019.

International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

IASP is an international suicide prevention organization, which was founded by Erwin Ringel and Norman Farberow in 1960. The organization is dedicated to prevent suicidal behaviour and provide a forum for mental health professionals, suicide survivors, crisis workers and other people affected by suicidal behaviour. It comprises of professionals and volunteers from 50 countries.