Suicide isa Health Challenge #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Figures last week showed that the suicide rate among men has fallen – but the growing number

of teen suicides across genders is deeply alarming, and female rates have actually worsened

World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that this issue remains one of the major public health #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

challenges facing the world: this as in previous years, suicide has been among the top 20 leading

causes of death across the globe.

It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, each not just a tragedy itself but a lost partner, child, parent,

friend or colleague. For every suicide, many more consider or attempt it. But preventing suicide is often

possible and World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that we can all play a part. We can raise #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

awareness about the issue, educate ourselves and others about the causes and warning signs, show

compassion and care for anyone showing signs of distress, and question the stigma associated

with suicide and mental health problems.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Society and its institutions are as key as the role we play as individuals. Many of the charities

and organisations working in the field have done outstanding work, and we can see some signs

of progress.

ONS figures last week showed that the suicide rate among men, who have always been most

vulnerable and still make up a large majority of suicides, has fallen. The Samaritans concluded

that is likely to be thanks, at least in part, to sustained suicide prevention efforts aimed at men,

encouraging them to talk about the way that they’re feeling, open up, and seek help when they need it.

However, the challenge remains serious and progress has not been uniform. The growing number

of teen suicides across genders is deeply alarming, and female rates have actually worsened, with

suicide among young women at its highest level since records began. This trend has been seen in

mental health wards too, with revealing there were nine self-inflicted deaths of young women and girls

under 20 over a seven year period.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay