World Suicide Prevention Day

By Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia

World Suicide Prevention Day, marked annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The theme for 2024 - 2026 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide' is about moving from a culture of silence and shame to understanding and support. It encourages people, communities, institutions and governments-all of us-to have open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.

With an estimated 208 000 lives lost every year, suicide is a major issue in our South-East Asia Region. It remains one of the leading causes of death, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

By breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, we create a culture where people feel safe to seek help. It is vital to ensure that no one feels alone, and that everyone knows support systems and interventions are available.

Suicides are preventable - but prevention is not easy. It requires collective effort, awareness, and a commitment to fostering hope, healing, and connection. More than responding to individual crises, it is about building strong and inclusive communities where people feel connected, valued, and supported. Even small acts of kindness, honest conversations, or simply being present for someone can make a profound difference.

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office has been providing technical support to Member States to implement the LIVE LIFE initiative, a package of evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention and underlying cross-cutting pillars.

The LIVE LIFE implementation guide provides technical guidance for the delivery of four key multisectoral interventions, and six foundational pillars.

The four interventions are:

1. Limiting access to the means of suicide
2. Interacting with media for responsible reporting of suicide
3. Fostering socio-emotional life-skills in young people
4. Early identification and support to everyone affected by suicide and self-harm

The implementation of these is supported by six foundational pillars:

1. Situation analysis
2. Multisectoral collaboration
3. Awareness raising and advocacy
4. Capacity building
5. Financing
6. Surveillance, monitoring and evaluation

The interventions can be integrated into health, community and other settings, and are a starting point to building a multi-level, multi-sectoral approach to suicide prevention.

As we reflect on these strategies, let us remember suicide prevention starts with us. It is our words, our compassion and our patient listening that can save lives.

On World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, let us start the conversation. Talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention, show compassion, offer support, and listen without judgment.

Change the narrative. Suicide is not inevitable, it is preventable-and must be prevented.