Suicide Prevention Awareness Day 2023: Date, History and Significance

Every year, World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated on September 10. The day is dedicated to educate and aware people about the measures to prevent the suicides that are currently increasing at an alarming rate across the globe. Suicide is a major public health issue that needs to be addressed in order to eradicate it from the society. Lack of awareness is one of the main factors contributing to the worldwide rise in suicide mortality rates each year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “It is estimated that there are currently more than 700 000 suicides per year worldwide. The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.”

Theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is “Creating Hope Through Action”. The theme 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.

Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day

The main significance behind celebrating the World Suicide Prevention Day is to highlight the fact that suicides are preventable, and there are better alternatives to suicide. The importance of the day is to reduce the stigma associated with suicides, and promote a culture where people don’t hesitate to seek help.

History of World Suicide Prevention Day:

International Association for Suicide Prevention with the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Suicide Prevention Day to be celebrated every year on September 10. The declaration came in 2003 and since then, September 10 has been observed to raise awareness about prevention of suicides. According to International Association for Suicide Prevention, “On this day, we encourage all to ‘Create Hope Through Action’ to draw attention to this important public health issue globally and to disseminate the message that suicides are preventable. By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, this theme gives people the confidence to take action. It highlights the fact that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.”

Find More Important Days Here