Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is observed every September 10 and aims to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage evidence-based actions that can reduce suicide worldwide. Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences, it says N1.

It is estimated that there are currently more than 700.000 suicides per year worldwide, and each suicide deeply affects many more people. Suicide remains a critical global issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide. One in 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. Suicide can affect any of us. Any suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them.

However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and encouraging evidence-based action, we can reduce suicides worldwide. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and promote action through proven approaches that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Changing the Suicide Narrative aims to inspire individuals, communities, organizations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide. By starting these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and create better cultures of understanding and support, says the Covin Special Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases website.

Through certain activities, you can make that small contribution and difference that can be decisive for someone in the darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbor. We can all play a role in supporting those facing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.

The factors and reasons that lead to suicide are numerous and complicated. No single approach works equally well for everyone. What we do know is that there are certain factors and life events that can make someone more susceptible to suicide, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can also contribute. People who have suicidal thoughts may experience themselves as trapped or a burden to their friends, family and those around them, and therefore feel as if they are alone and have no other options.

By creating hope through community action, we can signal to people who are having suicidal thoughts that there is hope, that we care and that we want to support them. You can help and give hope to everyone by showing that you care. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide, no matter how big or small. We may never know who and how much we have helped and what makes that difference between roles.

We can all come and ask someone we know how they are feeling and if they have a problem. You don't have to have solutions or tell someone what to do, but simply taking the time and space to listen to someone about their problems or suicidal thoughts can help. Short conversations can save lives and create a sense of closeness and hope in someone who may be struggling.

Changing the narrative about suicide by promoting hope can create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable asking for help. We can all do something to live in a world where suicide is recognized and we can all do something to prevent it.
The experiences and stories of people who have experienced suicide in a close environment can be extremely powerful in helping others to better understand suicide, as well as in encouraging people to choose to support someone and individuals to seek help themselves. It is very important that the person telling their life story about a suicide attempt knows how to do it in a way that is safe for themselves and those who are listening to the story.

Personal stories of individual experiences of significant emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or attempts and experiences of recovery can give hope to others that even though they are going through periods of distress or crisis, there is a solution. Individuals who share experiences of their own suicide grief with their immediate environment and how they are living their "new normal" can help others who have experienced a suicide loss understand the consequences of suicide and believe that they will be able to cope with the loss.

The risk of suicidal behavior can be greatly reduced if we care for each other.
National SOS line with number 15-315, available 24/7, from all mobile and landline operators in the country.