World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is commemorated on 10 September to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3 000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. In South Africa, 23 deaths out of 100,000 people are because of suicide; making it the 10th highest suicide rate in the world. For family and friends affected by suicide or attempted suicide, the emotional impact can last for many years.

Key facts

  • More than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year.
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
  • Seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
  • For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

Overview

Every year 727 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who make suicide attempts. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021.

The WSPD theme for the next three years, as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention [IASP], is Changing the Narrative. The aim is to inspire individuals, communities, organisations to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. The hope is that by initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

Who is at risk?

The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries. However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

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

Prevention and control

There are several measures that can be taken at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and self-harm. LIVE LIFE, WHO’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:

  • limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications);
  • interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;
  • foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and
  • early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

Stigma and taboo

Stigma, particularly surrounding mental disorders and suicide, means many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help and are therefore not getting the help they need. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it. Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide.

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Sources:

South African Government

International Association for Suicide Prevention (https://www.iasp.info/)

SA Federation for Mental https://www.safmh.org/changing-the-narrative-world-suicide-prevention-day-2024/