World Suicide Prevention Day New Theme

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on 10 September every year, exists as a platform to raise awareness of suicide and to promote preventative measures with the aim to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Every 40 seconds someone takes their life; that’s almost 800,000 people a year around the world, with over 75% of suicides occurring in low-and-middle-income countries. Suicide is a global concern and a serious public health issue in every country; however, suicides are preventable.

IASP President Professor Rory O’Connor says; “As we continue to work on our vision of a world where fewer people lose their lives to suicide, we believe “Creating Hope Through Action” is an optimistic message that aims to inspire confidence in people to engage with this complex subject.

“Creating Hope Through Action” signifies the resolve to impart a new sense of purpose – empowering and equipping people with the skills and confidence to connect with someone they think may be struggling.”

Over the next three years IASP will take on the ambitious task, through this theme, to create a movement of preventative action, with sustained messaging to drive behaviour change and ultimately, prevent more suicides.