The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2018 is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide” and participants on every continent will be observing the day.

WASHINGTON DC, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES, September 7, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- According to the World Health Organization (WHO) each year close to 800,000 people die by suicide, affecting families, communities and entire countries (WHO http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide). In addition to those who die by suicide, millions more engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally. While suicide is a global phenomenon, over 78% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Preventing suicide is often possible and in order for prevention efforts to be effective, a cohesive, multifaceted suicide prevention approach is necessary.

On September 10th, 2018, the world will recognize World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) under the theme of “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.” The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) encourages everyone as a society of professionals, carers, family and community members, to look ahead to the goals that we can achieve when we work together to prevent suicide.

Suicide is a multifaceted issue.
Suicide is the result of a convergence of genetic, psychological, social and cultural and other risk factors, sometimes combined with experiences of trauma and loss. People who take their own lives represent a heterogeneous group, with unique, complex and multifaceted causal influences preceding their tragic death. Such heterogeneity presents challenges for suicide prevention experts. These challenges can be met by adopting a multi-level and cohesive approach to suicide prevention.

Collaboration in suicide prevention is essential.
IASP chose the theme “Working Together to Prevent Suicide” as it highlights the most essential ingredient for effective global suicide prevention: collaboration. Research shows that suicide prevention should be multi-level and incorporate multiple interventions and approaches in order to be effective. In order to reach our common goal, we should work collaboratively and cohesively, using a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration at all levels is needed, between government and stakeholders, funding bodies and organisations, NGOs and those that they serve, healthcare professionals and their patients, and persons at risk and their family, friends and co-workers. https://iasp.info/wspd2018/world-suicide-prevention-day-take-a-minute/

Take part in WSPD 2018
This Monday, September 10th, IASP anticipates that individuals from over 50 countries will observe the 16th World Suicide Prevention Day with a range of activities including the annual Cycle Around the Globe event https://iasp.info/wspd2018/cycle-around-the-globe/, the Light a Candle Event https://iasp.info/wspd2018/light-a-candle/., national and regional seminars, awareness trainings, memorial walks and cultural events https://iasp.info/wspd2018/activities/. We invite everyone to mark WSPD 2018 by engaging in any events local to you or by joining one of our online events and by taking a minute to reach out to someone in your community – a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger.

• IASP is encouraging Twitter users to use the following tags to help increase suicide prevention awareness: #WSPD2018, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #suicideprevention. https://twitter.com/IASPinfo.
• The IASP has created a WSPD Facebook Event page that will enable Facebook users the opportunity to show their support for World Suicide Prevention Day and to remember loved ones lost to suicide: https://www.facebook.com/events/207736209720753/.

Important note: Journalists reporting on this event are advised to include information on relevant help lines and websites. The following website provides details of Crisis Centres around the globe: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/.
For example:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (UK and Ireland)
- Lifeline 13 11 14 (Australia)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (USA)
- Lifeline Shanghai 021-6279-8990 (China)
- Crisis Services Canada 1.833.456.4566

IASP is a Non-Governmental Organization concerned with suicide prevention, dedicated to:
• preventing suicidal behavior,
• alleviating its effects, and
• providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.
Founded by the late Professor Erwin Ringel and Dr. Norman Farberow in 1960, IASP now includes professionals and volunteers from more than fifty different countries.

Mrs Wendy Orchard
International Association for Suicide Prevention
+447411149495
email us here