World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day is held to raise awareness about suicide, promote suicide prevention, and provide support to individuals who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. It is a global initiative organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The primary objectives of World Suicide Prevention Day are:

1. Raise Awareness: WSPD seeks to increase public awareness about the issue of suicide, its causes, and the ways in which it can be prevented.
2. Reduce Stigma: One of the major barriers to seeking help for mental health issues and suicidal thoughts is the stigma surrounding them. WSPD aims to combat this stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide.
3. Promote Support: The day encourages communities, organizations, and individuals to reach out and provide support to those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have lost loved ones to suicide.
4. Share Information: WSPD serves as an opportunity to share information and resources about suicide prevention, warning signs, and available support services.
5. Advocate for Policy Change: It also calls for advocacy at the policy level to improve mental health care and suicide prevention services, as well as to address the social and environmental factors that contribute to suicide.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, various activities and events take place globally, including seminars, conferences, workshops, candlelight vigils, and community outreach programs. The day often features the color yellow and the use of the semicolon (;) as symbols of hope and solidarity with those affected by suicide.

It’s important to note that suicide is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and it can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Reach out to a mental health professional, a counselor, a helpline, or a trusted individual for support and guidance. In the UK, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 0800 689 5652