What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is held on the 10th of September every year. It is an awareness raising event organised by International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The international theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is “Creating Hope Through Action”.
Why is WSPD so important?
An estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year. In the UK and ROI, more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year, an average of 17 a day.
Suicide can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.
Creating Hope Through Action
Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention.
Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.
How do we create hope through action?
Spread awareness
Raise awareness about suicide prevention by using various platforms such as social media,
community events, and informational campaigns. Share statistics, facts, and messages that
emphasise the importance of mental health and seeking help. You can even utilize hashtags
related to suicide prevention to create a digital conversation around the topic.
Start conversations
Initiate open and compassionate discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.
Encourage people to talk about their feelings, struggles, and experiences without judgment.
Changing the narrative around suicide through the promotion of hope can create a more
compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek
help.
Reach out
You can help give hope by reaching in to somebody in distress. You do not need to tell them what
to do or have solutions, but simply making the time and space to listen to someone about their
experiences of distress or suicidal thoughts can help. Small talk can save lives and create a sense
of connection and hope in somebody who may be struggling.
Support organisations
Identify and support local and national organisations that are dedicated to suicide prevention and
mental health support. This could involve volunteering your time, donating, or participating in
fundraising events. Every little action is important as it helps to create hope.
Share your story
Sharing your story of lived experience (whether it’s your own experience of suicide or that of
supporting someone) is extremely powerful. It can strengthen and inform our understanding and
approaches to suicide. It helps connect us to more human experiences and ensures we develop
more appropriate and nuanced responses.
Learn the signs
Educate yourself and others about the warning signs of someone who might be at risk of suicide.
This includes anxiety, depression, reckless behaviour, hopelessness, mood changes, and
withdrawal. Being informed about these signs enables you to reach out and offer support.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention is something that can be worked towards every day. There are many things you can do to learn more about suicide prevention and what you can do if you know someone struggling. For information, from Mind, about supporting someone who feels suicidal, click here.
Zero Suicide Alliance hold short online Suicide Awareness Training which aims to give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. Click here for more information.
Click here to access resources from IASP to help promote World Suicide Prevention Day online and in your community.
Washington Mind offer fully funded spaces on their A LIFE Worth Living Suicide Prevention training for those who work and volunteer across Sunderland and South Tyneside. Click here to find out more and book a space.
Accessing Support
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings, there is help available.
- SHOUT 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service available 24/7.
- The Samaritans provide free, confidential emotional support 24/7 on: 116 123
- For Sunderland and South Tyneside, the Initial Response Service offer 24/7 support and information on freephone: 0800 652 2868
