Changing the narrative about suicide

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with over 700,000 deaths each year globally. Every suicide has social consequencesemotional and economic in magnitude and profoundly affect individuals and communities around the world.

Changing the narrative about suicide

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. This theme aims to raise awareness of the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide. Changing the narrative about suicide means transforming the way we perceive this complex issue and moving from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation about suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By starting these essential conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of support.

This theme also highlights the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires promoting policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support to those who need it.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization. 10 September each year aims to draw attention to this issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments and the public, sending a unique message that suicide is preventable.

Global suicide is a phenomenon that has reached alarming numbers

Every year, 726,000 people end their lives and there are many more who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and the entire country and has long-lasting effects on those left behind. Suicide occurs across the lifespan and was the third leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally in 2021.

Suicide does not occur only in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, nearly three-quarters (73%) of suicides globally occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a public health response. With timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy involving multiple sectors is needed.

Who is at risk of suicide?

The link between suicide and mental disorders (especially depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries. However, many suicides occur impulsively in times of crisis, when the ability to cope with life’s stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness, collapses.

Additionally, experiences of conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss, and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) people; and the prisoners.