WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION

09 September,2021  |  By Brainwonders

Note: Before we start with this blog, It's a universal fact that we all go through bad patches in our lives now and then, but some people can feel those lows a little bit more intensely. let us first understand the importance to talk about World Suicide Prevention day.

About World Suicide Prevention Day 2021:

Every year on September 10, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day. The goal of this day is to promote awareness that suicide may be prevented all over the world. World Suicide Prevention Day is purpose to raise awareness about the issue in the hopes of reaching out to those who are struggling before it's too late.

Why do we need to talk about World Suicide Prevention Day?

As suicide is a rising issue, the statistics are startling.

According to the World Health Organization, someone takes their life every 40 seconds (WHO). This equates to around 800,000 people per year around the world, however, some estimates put the figure closer to one million. Suicide is the greatest cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 and with up to 40 attempted suicides for every suicide that results in death.

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History and Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day:

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization initially established World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2003.

Suicide is caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, cultural, and other risk factors, which are sometimes linked with trauma and loss experiences. Adopting a multidimensional and integrated approach to suicide prevention can help overcome these obstacles.

The theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day 2021:

Every year, a theme is set to celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day. Theme to celebrate world suicide prevention Day this year is ‘Creating Hope Through Action.’

This theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is meant to serve as a reminder that suicide is not the only option and that people's efforts, no matter how small, can give hope to those who are struggling.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us understand the impact of suicide:

Let us understand the impact of suicide on family, friends on this World Suicide Prevention Day.

The death of a loved one is never easy to bear, whether it occurs unexpectedly or after a lengthy battle with the disease. However, there are certain factors that distinguish suicide death and make the grieving process more difficult.

Suicides and attempted suicides have an enormous effect on families, friends, coworkers, communities, and societies.

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Let us look at some myths and facts related to World Suicide Prevention Day 2021:

Myth: Suicide is solely a problem for people who have a mental illness.

Fact: Everyone who is dealing with mental illness is not affected by suicidal thoughts.

Myth: A suicidal individual will, no matter what, find a means to end his or her life.

Fact: This feeds the deadly impression that reaching out to someone who is thinking about suicide is pointless when nothing could be further from the truth. A good intervention can increase a person's desire to live by ensuring that they receive the professional help they require.

Myth: Suicides rates are higher during holidays.

Fact: While the holidays are a time for family and friends to gather together, they can also exacerbate depression in people who are feeling lonely or stressed. Despite popular assumptions, suicides do not increase during the winter holidays.

Let us look at some Indian studies of suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day:

Since 1967, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) of India has produced annual reports on suicides in the States and  Union Territories. According to their reports, the suicide rate per 100,000 of the entire population climbed from 6.3 in 1978 to 8.9 in 1990.

Suicide mortality rate: Suicide Mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths per 100,000 people.

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Top 5 States in India with highest Suicide Mortality Rate: 

Let us have a look at the states with the highest suicide mortality rates on World Suicide Prevention Day.

States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and others have to pay attention to their suicide mortality rates as out of total mortality rates by suicide in India, these states have the highest contribution.

State	Suicide Mortality Rate
Maharashtra	12.40%
Andhra Pradesh	12.10%
West Bengal	12.10%
Tamil Nadu	11.30%
Karnataka	10.00%

 

The city with the highest number of suicides is Delhi (1,481) among Union Territories.

Top 5 states in India with lowest Suicide Mortality Rate: 

The following states have the lowest suicide mortality rate in India.

States like Bihar, Nagaland, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand have focused on their  Suicide Mortality Rate and this is a huge achievement for them considering they have the lowest mortality rate.

State	Suicide Mortality Rate
Bihar	0.80%
Nagaland	0.90%
Manipur	1.40%
Uttar Pradesh	2%
Jharkhand	2.50%

These states have done exceptionally well in focusing on the well-being of their Suicide prevention.

Other states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal can take examples of the states like Bihar and Nagaland and other states with the lowest Suicide Mortality Rate.

What can you do if you notice warning signs to prevent suicide?

1. Looking for any warning signs like talking about committing suicide or any other signs of suicide.
2. Posing the question, if someone is considering committing suicide shows that you are willing to talk about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive manner.
3. Do not be hesitant to speak with your friends.
4. Make sure to let them know that they have been heard.
5. Having mental health issues can be isolating. People may feel as if they are different from the rest of the world or as if no one understands them. You can make them feel they are heard and less lonely.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us understand how you can help a dear one in need :

It's critical to understand the warning signals and risk factors associated with suicide.

You should also take proactive measures to protect your own mental health, advocate required treatment, and empower your friends, family, coworkers, and communities to support one another in the event of a crisis.

A way you may help is by understanding and noticing potential indications in your friends, as well as knowing where to direct them.

Sometimes the tiniest interaction is all that is required to give someone hope.

If you feel like reaching out to the professionals in the field, please contact the following numbers.

GOVT MH Rehabilitation HELPLINE ‘KIRAN- 1800-5990019

VANDREVALA FOUNDATION- 9999 666 555

These numbers are all India numbers for help for Suicide Prevention.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us first talk about the issue, look deeply into it and work towards making a difference!