WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2020

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World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides around the world since 2003. The *International Association for Suicide Prevention* (IASP) collaborates with the *World Health Organization* (WHO) and the *World Federation for Mental Health* (WFMH) to host World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme of this day, “Working Together to Prevent Suicide” highlights the most essential ingredient for effective global suicide prevention, which is collaboration. Since suicide has a number of complex and interrelated and underlying contributing factors, which can contribute to the feelings of pain and hopelessness, it’s high time that we need to “Raise awareness not stigma”.

Suicide is a taboo subject that stigmatizes not only the victim but the survivors as well. Each year, approximately 1 million people die from suicide. That equals out to 1 death every 40 seconds. It is one of the leading cause of death among many. There are many factors that can influence a person's decision to commit suicide. The most common one is *severe depression*. Depression can make people feel great emotional pain and loss of hope, making them unable to see another way to relieve the pain other than ending their own life. Another factor which can lead to suicide being *Traumatic stress*. A person who has had a traumatic experience, including childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, or even war trauma, is at a greater risk for suicide, even many years after the trauma. *Drugs and alcohol use* is another aspect which contribute to other reasons people commit suicide, such as the loss of jobs and relationships. *Fear of loss*, *hopelessness*, any *incurable illness* etc. are all certain factors leading to suicide.

It requires our collective concerted effort to initiate change and reach the ultimate goal of a reduction in premature deaths by suicide. As we adapt to world altered by Covid-19 pandemic, with increased levels of isolation, distress and anxiety, connecting with others are crucial in ensuring all people’s good mental health and well being. You may never know why a person committed suicide. While it might have appeared that someone had everything to live for, it probably didn't feel that way to them. There are several things we can do to help someone in crisis. Listening is one of the best ways to help such type. We also need to educate people in order to create an awareness among them. We have to reach out and connect with people who are in need, as it could change the course of another’s life.

To those who thinks they are useless and don’t deserve to live, remember one thing. You are alive for a reason. Whenever you feel like life is not worth living, reach out for help. You are not alone. You are not to blame. Sometimes, it’s OK not to be OK.  So don’t ever give up.

Suicide is not at all a solution for your problems.