By Favour Rapheal
Every year on September 10, the world comes together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the growing global concern of suicide and the urgent need for collective action to prevent it.
With suicide claiming the lives of nearly 800,000 people annually, according to the World Health Organization, the day serves as a reminder that every life is valuable and that prevention is possible.
According to experts, one of the strongest protective factors against suicide is a supportive environment where people feel heard and understood. Yet, stigma around mental health continues to silence many, leaving individuals to struggle alone in the dark.
World Suicide Prevention Day seeks to break this silence by encouraging honest dialogue and showing that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Communities, governments, and organizations across the world mark the day with awareness campaigns, seminars, candlelight vigils, and mental health outreach programs. These activities are not just symbolic; they are a call to action, reminding us to check on our loved ones, to listen without judgment, and to create spaces where mental health can be discussed openly. Simple acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding can save lives.
At its core, World Suicide Prevention Day is about hope. It is about assuring those who feel hopeless that they are not alone, that help is available, and that healing is possible. By standing together, families, schools, workplaces, and communities can reduce the stigma, strengthen support systems, and most importantly, save lives.
