WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2020

 As per the WHO, every year around 800,000 people die by committing suicide. On this day, activities and events are organized to raise awareness among the people that suicide is a major preventable cause of death.

THEME OF WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2020

Every year a different theme is set up for World Suicide Prevention Day and every theme’s objective is to emphasize a specific aspect of suicide and how it can be prohibited. For instance, in the year 2003, the theme was “Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope”; and in 2016 the theme was “Connect, Communicate, Care.”

The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 was “Working Together to Prevent Suicide” to highlight the specific elements for preventing suicide globally and the same theme was established for 2020 too.  

HISTORY OF WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

World Suicide Prevention Day was first acknowledged by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation on 10th September 2003. In the year 2014, the first suicide report was presented by WHO i.e. “Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative”; it aimed at preventing suicide and making it a high priority on the global public health agenda.

HOW CAN WE CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY DURING COVID-19?

Closeup of the United hands of one family on a blue background. Dad, mom, kids holding hands. Large male hands hold the hands of his family

World Suicide Prevention Day can be acknowledged by staying safe at home during this pandemic situation around the world. This COVID-19 has changed the entire world and our lives. The aim of this day is to raise awareness among people about the importance of life and suicide is not the solution to any problem. So, by staying indoors, you can speak about preventing suicide to the people you know or through social media platforms using #WorldSuicidePreventionDay.

 You can even connect with new people and help someone who may need your help. It is familiar to everybody that some actions indicate the possibility of suicide. Each one of us can learn the warning signs of suicidal ideation if we research it. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, you can host or attend an online discussion on how psychological problems magnify the suicidal thoughts. World Suicide Prevention Day provides a lot of information to the people so that they can learn about the reasons for suicide and their prevention. Knowledge not only has the potential but it can also save someone’s life.