Every 10th of September has been mapped out to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).

It was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). It is observed on September 10 every year.

It is aimed at focusing attention on the issue of suicide, reducing stigma, which leads to depression, and raising awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

“Creating Hope through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 - 2023. This theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in everyone.

By creating hope through action, it is a signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Lastly, it highlights the importance of setting suicide prevention as a priority public health agenda by countries, particularly where access to mental health services and availability of evidence-based interventions are already low. Building on this theme and spreading this message over the three years, a world can be envisioned where suicides are not so prevalent.

According to WHO, an estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours. Each suicidal death is a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world

You might wonder what forces a person to take such extreme steps. Studies suggest that many internal and external issues might force an individual to end their own life;the loss of a family member or a loved one could also leave one devastated. Usually, a loss, like this, stays with some people for a long time, which can give rise to suicidal thoughts. In some cases, overthinking, spiraling down into negativity can also turn an individual suicidal.

If a person is suffering from prolonged health issues, be it mental or physical, then it can force them to feel that they may be a burden on their family. Sometimes, a traumatic incident may force one to commit suicide. Incidents like childhood trauma, sexual assault and war trauma, among others, can lead to severe depression in some people. If an individual is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, then, as per studies, they are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts.