Creating Hope Through Action: Together for Life

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10th to raise awareness about suicide, reduce stigma, and promote prevention efforts worldwide.

For 2025, the theme continues to be “Creating Hope Through Action”, emphasising that every one of us has a role to play in offering hope and preventing suicide. Suicide is not just a mental health issue, it is a public health and human issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities.

Understanding Suicide

Suicide occurs when overwhelming psychological pain, distress, or hopelessness leads a person to end their life. It is often linked to underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, or trauma, but can also be triggered by social, economic, or health-related pressures.

Globally, more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, and many more attempt it. This means every 40 seconds; someone loses their life to suicide.

Warning Signs

Recognizing the signs can save lives. Common warning signals include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Extreme mood swings
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
• Expressing feelings of being a burden

Risk Factors

• Mental health conditions (depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
• Substance misuse
• Social isolation or loneliness
• History of trauma, abuse, or violence
• Chronic illness or pain
• Major life crises (job loss, relationship breakdown, financial stress)
• Family history of suicide

Protective Factors

The presence of protective factors can reduce the risk of suicide:

• Strong support systems (family, friends, community)
• Access to quality mental health care
• Problem-solving and coping skills
• Religious, cultural, or spiritual beliefs that discourage suicide
• Open conversations about mental health and well-being

Prevention Strategies

Individual Actions

• Check in regularly with loved ones
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage professional help when needed

Community Actions

• Promote safe spaces to talk about mental health
• Reduce stigma through awareness campaigns
• Train community members and health workers in suicide prevention

Policy Actions

• Improve access to mental health services
• Restrict access to common means of suicide
• Integrate suicide prevention into schools, workplaces, and healthcare

Let’s Take Action

As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, the theme “Creating Hope Through Action” reminds us that each of us can make a difference. By talking openly about mental health, offering support, and ensuring access to care, we can save lives.

Together, let’s:

• Reduce stigma around suicide and mental illness
• Empower people to seek help early
• Stand with survivors and families who have been affected
• Build a culture of compassion, connection, and hope.