World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention.

The theme of WSPD 2023, “Creating hope through action,” reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments- can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.

Objectives

The overall goal of this day is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide. Objectives include promoting stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action.

These can be achieved through capacity building of healthcare providers and other relevant actors, positive and informative messaging aimed at the general population and at-risk groups such as young people, and facilitating an open discussion on mental health at home, at school, in the workplace, etc. Those contemplating or affected by suicide are also encouraged to share their stories and seek professional help.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Regional event: United to Make Suicide Prevention a Priority

This live conversation aims to give a platform to two different experiences from Barbados and Chile, focusing on the role of media in appropriate suicide reporting as an evidence-based strategy to reduce suicide in the Region.

more information

Message of Dr Jarbas Barbosa on World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

Press release: Suicide prevention must be a priority: PAHO Director

Key facts

The suicide mortality rate in the Region of the Americas has been increasing while decreasing in all other World Health Organization regions; highlighting the urgent need to make suicide prevention a public health priority.

Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts not only individuals but also families, communities, and societies. Associated risk factors for suicide, such as job or financial loss, trauma or abuse, mental and substance use disorders, and barriers to accessing health care. The sex difference in suicide mortality is a culture-bound phenomenon, meaning that cultural expectations about gender and suicide strongly determine both its existence and magnitude. Furthermore, the COVID‑19 pandemic has worsened the situation by increasing the prevalence of mental health conditions and disrupting essential mental health services. Other humanitarian emergencies, including migration, worsened by the global climate crisis, pose a significant threat to mental health.

Suicide can be prevented!

Key evidence-based suicide prevention measures include restricting access to means for suicide (e.g. firearms, pesticides, etc.), mental health and alcohol reduction policies, and promoting responsible media reporting on suicide. Social stigma and a lack of awareness remain major barriers to help-seeking for suicide, highlighting the need for mental health literacy and anti-stigma campaigns.

What does Creating Hope Through Action mean to you?

Maria Divina O'Brien

"After losing Michael to suicide, then surviving my own suicidal ideation, addiction, and PTSD, I must agree with the statement, Suicide takes place when pain outweighs the existing resources for coping with pain. With this powerful and simple equation and idea, I do believe, that through the continuous harvesting of coping resources for those in crisis and attending to the distribution of those coping resources with the attention that is paid to distributing alcohol and other drugs, we will save lives. Suicide is preventable but it is a battle we are fighting, between hopelessness, and action.

We need to have National Suicide Prevention Action Plans, we need to have networks and communities that are trained in Suicide Prevention Strategies. We also need to combat the STIGMA around addiction, suicide, and mental health crises and conditions. Let us invest in programs that support these actions. If we all DO OUR SHARE…to give people healthy choices and coping tools and training to build a generation that is not afraid of the word suicide, and sees suicidal ideation as a call for community support and action. Let us navigate our traumas and pain together. I believe from seeing it work in my own life, that it can work for others too."

Resources