It’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

It’s difficult to imagine what led a friend, family member, or celebrity to commit suicide. There may have been no clear warning signs, and you may wonder what clues you might have missed. Often, many factors combine to lead a person to the decision to take their own life.

Many people shy away from the subject, finding it frightening, even impossible to understand. And suicide certainly can be hard to understand, since it’s not always clear why a person makes this choice.

But in general, suicide often isn’t just an impulsive act. To people who consider it, it might seem like the most logical solution.

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day. Photo Courtesy

If you know someone who shows any of the following signs, it’s best to encourage them to talk to a therapist or other healthcare professional as soon as possible.

• Talking about death or violence
• Talking about dying or wanting to die
• Accessing weapons or things that could be used for suicide, such as large amounts of certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Rapid changes in mood
• Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, worthless, or as if they’re burdening others
• Impulsive or risky behavior, including substance misuse, reckless driving, or practicing extreme sports unsafely
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Extreme anxiety or agitation
• A calm or quiet mood, especially after agitated or emotional behavior

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day. Photo Courtesy

The World Suicide prevention day is observed globally on the 10th of September to raise awareness on suicidal behavior and to promote actions that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts.

Globally, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, 703,000 people die annually by suicide and more than half of them at 58% die before the age of 50.
The Ministry of Health has planned an event to commemorate this day whose 2021 theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”

According to World Health Organization, the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Week is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and provide hope by supporting those struggling and experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.