The Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide prevention strategies are essential in our society. The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed annually on September 10, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of such strategies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 suicides occur globally each year. In this article, we will delve into effective, the significance of World Suicide Prevention Day, and the latest statistics and initiatives aimed at combatting this pressing issue.
Raising Awareness and Prioritizing Prevention
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that preventing suicides is a public health priority, demanding urgent action to curb rising rates. It raises awareness about the mental health issues underlying suicides and their profound impact on individuals, families, and society.
World Suicide Prevention Day: History, Theme, and Global Impact
Theme for 2021-2023: “Creating Hope Through Action”
The World Suicide Prevention Day theme for 2021-2023 is “Creating Hope Through Action,” which promotes the initiative to take action and create hope for those having suicidal thoughts. It’s a powerful call to action and encourages people to understand that there are various options to consider apart from committing suicide. Therefore, people can help those with suicidal thoughts by lightening up their mood and making even the smallest efforts possible to help them.
Global Observance and Origins
The combined efforts of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) resulted in this day being established as a global observance. The day was established following WHO’s 1999 campaign for preventing suicides worldwide.
Fighting Societal Stigmas
On this day, IASP, WHO, and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) organize events to spread awareness about the societal stigmas that lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. This helps in early identification of such problems so that proper help can be provided.
World Suicide Prevention Day plays a vital role in efforts to reduce rising suicide rates worldwide.
Suicide Rate in India
In August 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released data showing 1.64 lakh suicides registered in India in 2021. This increase of 6.1 cases per one lakh population compared to the 2020 figures is shocking. The suicide rate in India for 2021 was 12 per one lakh population, in contrast to the 2020 rate of 11.3 per one lakh population.
Economic Factors and Gender Disparities
Furthermore, this data is the highest since the NCRB began reporting suicides in 2021, raising serious concerns.
The majority of suicides happened in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka. These states accounted for a significant 50.4% of recorded suicide cases in the country.
The economic downturn during and after the COVID-19 pandemic fueled most of these suicides. Several factors like pay cuts, layoffs, and uncertain income spurred male suicides.
The male-to-female ratio of suicide victims was 72.5 compared to 27.4, respectively, which significantly exceeded the 2020 ratio of 70.9 compared to 29.1.
