World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

Every year on September 10, we come together for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and mobilize efforts to prevent suicide worldwide. This year's theme, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," invites everyone to break the silence surrounding suicide, replacing stigma with understanding, and fostering support through open conversations.

The theme aims to shift the public's perception of suicide from one dominated by myths and silence to one of empathy and action. Through this change, we can collectively create a society where no one feels isolated in their struggles.

Global Suicide Statistics: A Critical Issue

Despite global efforts, suicide continues to be a leading cause of death:

• An estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year.1???
• Over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 was the result of suicide.1?
• The global suicide?rate?is?over twice as high?among men than women.1??
• Over?half?(58%)?of all deaths by suicide occur before the age of 50 years old.1??
• A?previous?suicide?attempt is?the?strongest?risk factor for?death by?suicide.2?
• Globally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.2??
• Suicide occurs across all regions in the world, however,?over three quarters?(77%)?of global suicides?in 2019?occurred?in low- and middle-income countries.2???
• While most deaths by suicide occur in low- and middle-income countries, the highest age-standardised suicide rate (10.9 per 100,000) is within high-income countries.1??
• Approximately one fifth (20%) of all suicides are the result of pesticide ingestion, particularly in rural agriculture settings. Hanging and firearms are also?common methods of suicide.2??
• While the global rate of suicide is showing signs of a decline,1?this is not the case in all countries and may be indicative of greater surveillance or access to data.
• Experiences of?conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are?risk factors associated with?suicidal behaviour.2??
• Suicide rates are high within vulnerable groups?who are subjected to discrimination,?including refugees,?migrants,?prisoners,?indigenous?people, and individuals from the LGBTI community.1??
• An individual suffering with depression is twenty times more likely to die by suicide?than someone without the disorder.3???
• Suicide remains?illegal in over?20 countries, while people who engage in suicidal behaviour may be punished in some countries that follow Sharia law, involving legal penalties that range from a small fine or short prison sentence to life imprisonment.?4?

However, these numbers do not capture the full extent of the issue. For every suicide, there are many more attempts, each one a cry for help.

Changing the Narrative: Key Facts on Suicide

To prevent suicide, we must first change how we talk about it. By challenging outdated perceptions and increasing awareness, we can help people feel more comfortable seeking the support they need.

1. Suicide Is Preventable Many suicides are preventable through timely interventions, professional mental health care, and social support. Recognizing the warning signs—such as withdrawing from loved ones, increased substance use, or talking about hopelessness—can make a difference.
2. Breaking the Silence Saves Lives The stigma around suicide often silences those who need help the most. This year's theme calls on us to “Start the Conversation.” By talking openly and without judgement, we can support individuals in distress and connect them to resources before it’s too late.
3. Access to Care Is Crucial Suicide prevention is a public health issue that requires improved access to mental health care. Efforts to decriminalize suicide and remove barriers to treatment, especially in low-resource settings, are essential for reducing suicide rates.
4. Means Restriction Research shows that restricting access to common methods of suicide—such as firearms, pesticides, and certain medications—can significantly reduce suicide rates. Simple measures like firearm storage and control of lethal substances can save lives.
5. Communities Play a Vital Role Suicide prevention is not just an individual responsibility—it requires collective action. Communities can help by providing emotional support, creating safe spaces for discussion, and ensuring resources are available to those in need.

Starting Conversations: Your Role in Suicide Prevention

This year’s theme encourages everyone to start conversations around mental health and suicide prevention. A simple check-in with a friend or a loved one can create a ripple effect of hope. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize seeking help for those struggling.

What Can You Do to Help?

• Listen and offer support: If someone opens up about their struggles, listen without judgement and encourage them to seek professional help.
• Learn the warning signs: Familiarize yourself with common signs of suicidal ideation, including changes in behavior, mood swings, and expressing feelings of hopelessness.
• Advocate for better mental health policies: Push for improved mental health services, increased funding for suicide prevention, and the decriminalization of suicide.

Let’s use World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 to change the narrative and build a world where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. By opening up discussions, providing resources, and fostering understanding, we can all contribute to reducing suicide rates globally.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out.

References:

1. World Health Organization. Suicide worldwide in 2019: global health estimates. Available from:?https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643. [Accessed 13 July 2021]
2. World Health Organization. Suicide: key facts. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021 [cited 2021 July 20]. Available from:?https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
3. Ferrari AJ, Norman RE, Freedman G, Baxter AJ, Pirkis JE, Harris MG, Page A, Carnahan E, Degenhardt L, Vos T, Whiteford HA. The burden attributable to mental and substance use disorders as risk factors for suicide: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. PlOS One. 2014 Apr 2;9(4):e91936.
4. Mishara BL, Weisstub DN. The legal status of suicide: A global review. International journal of law and psychiatry. 2016 Jan 1;44:54-74.