Introduction:
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), established in 2003 in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a powerful platform for advocacy and communication. Its primary mission is to reach national organizations, governments, and the general public, conveying a resounding message: suicide can be prevented. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of WSPD, its growth over the years, and the various initiatives that have made it a global force in suicide prevention.
The Impactful Role of WSPD:
WSPD is recognized as an effective tool in suicide prevention efforts, as underscored by the WHO Report titled “Preventing Suicide: a Global Imperative” (2014). According to this report, WSPD has spurred campaigns both nationally and locally, contributing significantly to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding suicide. This global event plays a crucial role in highlighting the importance of suicide prevention on a worldwide scale.
Global Reach and Growth:
WSPD’s influence continues to expand year by year. Recent years have witnessed WSPD being observed in more than 60 countries, with a multitude of events spanning from educational and commemorative gatherings to press briefings and public conferences. The advent of the internet and social media has further amplified its reach, connecting millions of people worldwide to WSPD activities on September 10th. Notably, in 2020, the IASP-produced “Step Closer” film garnered an astounding 30 million views, illustrating the power of collective awareness.
The Symbolic WSPD Ribbon:
In 2016, IASP, in collaboration with partners, introduced a universal suicide prevention awareness ribbon. The aim was to make the ribbon a globally recognizable symbol, akin to other ribbons representing various causes. After careful consideration of ribbons and colors used to signify suicide prevention awareness worldwide, yellow and orange emerged as the predominant colors. This two-toned ribbon symbolizes the light of a candle flame, aligning with initiatives such as the “Light a Candle” campaign and candlelit walks held globally for WSPD. It also resonates with “Out of the Darkness into the Light” events organized by partner organizations.
Twitter’s Support with Emoji:
In 2018, IASP received support from Twitter in the form of an international suicide prevention ribbon emoji in yellow and orange, dedicated to World Suicide Prevention Day. Twitter users could activate this emoji by using designated hashtags in 16 languages during the WSPD period. This initiative has been repeated in subsequent years, further enhancing awareness through social media.
Historical Significance:
The inaugural World Suicide Prevention Day took place successfully in Stockholm on September 10, 2003. It was conceived as an initiative by IASP and WHO to draw global attention to the issue of suicide and deliver the resolute message that “Suicides are Preventable.” In the words of Professor De Leo, the then IASP President, this day was a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize suicide prevention in public health agendas.
Conclusion:
World Suicide Prevention Day, born out of a collective commitment to preventing suicide, has evolved into a global movement. It continues to shine a light on an issue of immense significance and encourages individuals, communities, and nations to take action. With its diverse initiatives, from awareness ribbons to social media engagement, WSPD reaffirms that we all share a responsibility to save lives and prevent suicides. As Professor De Leo declared, “It is possible – we can do it.” Let us unite on this day to support suicide prevention and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
