World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

Every year, on September 10th, the world comes together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. In 2024, the theme for WSPD is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," a call to action that invites us to rethink and reshape our approach to suicide prevention.

The History of World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day was started back on September 10th, 2003 in Stockholm by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

In 2004, WHO co-sponsored WSPD and this day became an annual event. 

Since then, WSPD has been a significant advocacy and communication event to provide information to national organizations, governments and the general public a singular message: Suicide can be prevented. 

As of 2024, there are more than 60 countries across the world that honour this day. This number continues to grow year over year. The internet and social media are a strong force in these suicide prevention efforts, bringing together millions of people across the globe on WSPD to support the mission.  

Understanding the Theme: Changing the Narrative

The theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" is about shifting from a culture of silence, stigma, and crisis to one of compassion, education, prevention, support, and empowerment. It's about transforming how we perceive the complex issues surrounding suicide, suicide experiences, suicide loss and attempts, encouraging open conversations, and fostering a society where those in need feel supported and understood.

Globally, more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, with profound social, emotional, and economic repercussions. In Canada, the impact is equally staggering, with more than 11 Canadians dying by suicide every day. The theme for WSPD 2024-2026 emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma and starting conversations about suicide, aiming to create a supportive environment where suicide is preventable, and we acknowledge the challenges in living with support, advocacy, and change. 

WSPD Ribbon

The International Association for Suicide Prevention created a ribbon in 2016 hoping that it would become universally recognized as the suicide prevention awareness ribbon. They reviewed the colours used to represent suicide prevention across the globe and decided on yellow and orange as the two predominant colours.

The suicide prevention awareness ribbon created by IASP contains these two colours to indicate the light of a candle flame. This follows along with the “Light a Candle” campaign and candlelit walks that people arrange around the globe for WSPD. 

The Importance of Suicide Prevention in Canada

Suicide touches people from all walks of life across Canada, cutting across all age groups and demographics. Despite the severity of the issue, suicide remains a topic often shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. By changing the narrative, we can begin to dismantle the stigma that surrounds suicide and mental health, allowing for more open and honest discussions that can save lives.

For Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC), suicide prevention is an integral part of our mission. We recognize that suicide prevention is not just about intervening in a crisis but also about providing ongoing support and education. YMHC offers a range of resources, including mental wellness workbooks, training courses, and workshops, all designed to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to support mental health and wellness, and prevent suicide.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of suicide is crucial in preventing it. While there is no single cause for suicide, several factors can increase an individual's risk, including:

  • Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
  • Other serious health conditions, including chronic pain
  • Prolonged stress from factors like bullying, relationship problems, or financial struggles
  • Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a major life transition
  • Childhood trauma or abuse
  • Isolation or withdrawal from social activities
  • Statements about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or having no reason to live
  • Getting affairs in order, such as making a will or saying goodbye to loved ones

Recognizing these warning signs and taking them seriously can save lives. If you notice someone displaying these signs, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer support.

What You Can Do: Starting the Conversation

The call to action for WSPD 2024 is clear: "Start the Conversation". Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more understanding and supportive society. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. YMHC offers a variety of resources, including guidebooks and digital workbooks, that can help you understand and support those at risk.
  2. Talk About It: Don't be afraid to discuss suicide openly. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not increase the risk; rather, it shows that you care and are willing to help.
  3. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Participate in or donate to mental health organizations like YMHC. Your contributions help fund vital resources and programs that support mental wellness and suicide prevention. www.ymhc.ngo/donate 
  4. Join an Awareness Event: Participate in events like the "Out of the Darkness Community Walks" or attend a YMHC workshop or training course to further your understanding of mental health issues and suicide prevention.

Crisis Supports

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s important to know that help is available. Several crisis supports are available across Canada:

For more information, visit our Crisis Supports page.

YMHC’s Role in Suicide Prevention

Since 2013, YMHC has been at the forefront of youth mental health advocacy in Canada, providing essential resources and training to support mental wellness and prevent suicide. Our workbooks, such as "Sources of Strength for Mental Wellness" and "Creating a Personal Mental Wellness Action Plan," offer practical tools for building resilience and managing mental health challenges.

Additionally, YMHC’s workshops and presentations, tailored to various audiences, provide in-depth education on mental health and suicide prevention. These sessions are available for students, parents, educators, and community members, both virtually and in-person, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need.

YMHC is a member of international organizations dedicated to youth mental health, suicide prevention, and school attendance and absenteeism, such as the IASP, IAYMH, and INSA. We have participated in our Canada’s national suicide prevention conference (CASP) several times. 

YMHC has contributed to provincial and national change in education to support students with mental health challenges and disabilities and decrease suicide risk factors. 

Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 reminds us that preventing suicide is a collective responsibility. By changing the narrative, we can move toward a future where suicide is no longer seen as inevitable but as preventable. It starts with education, open conversations, and a commitment to supporting one another.

YMHC will continue to lead these efforts, offering resources, training, and support to those in need. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eliminated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on YMHC’s resources, training courses, and how you can get involved, visit YMHC’s website.
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