World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 [Creating hope through action]

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 [Creating hope through action] Need for collective action World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. The theme of WSPD 2022, “Creating hope through action,” 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 in the Region. The overall goal of this day is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide. Objectives include promoting stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action. These can be achieved through capacity building of healthcare providers and other relevant actors, positive and informative messaging aimed at the general population and at-risk groups such as young people, and facilitating open discussion on mental health at home, at school, in the workplace, etc. Those contemplating or affected by suicide are also encouraged to share their stories and seek professional help. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) a total of 1,64,033 people died by suicide in 2021 across the country, an average of nearly 450 daily or 18 every hour, with the figures reaching highest for any calendar year so far, according to official data. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. The good news is that suicide is preventable. Preventing suicide requires strategies at all levels of society. This includes prevention and protective strategies for individuals, families, and communities. Everyone can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and a committing to social change. Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include: Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain Talking about being a burden to others Withdrawing from family and friends Giving away important possessions Saying goodbye to friends and family Putting affairs in order, such as making a will Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast Talking or thinking about death often