World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
Of late, suicide rates in Pakistan have been on the rise with 40pc of cases involving burns as the method of suicide. Rural areas in Pakistan have reported 12pc of suicidal tendency with individuals expressing thoughts of self-harm.
Chairperson Psychiatry Department, Pakistan institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Dr Rizwan Taj at an event in connection with the World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10) shared these statistics reminding that the day raised global awareness about the scope and stigma of suicide.
By observing this day, we should launch campaigns at the local and national levels, helping to decrease this stigma and increase awareness to help those suffering in silence, he said.
In one year alone (2019-2020), there were a total of 2,295 reported suicides in Pakistan, with a majority of cases reported out by males (61.87pc).
Women ratio however remained low i.e. 38.12p. Multiple sources have reported on these tragic incidents, with 87 news reports of suicides documented in March-August of 2020 alone.
Pakistan he said has expressed great concerns on World Suicide Prevention Day, an important advocacy and communication-based event that was created in 2003 on September 10th, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to reach national organizations, governments, and the general public with the message that suicide can be prevented.
An estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year. The global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women. Over half (58pc) of all deaths by suicide occur before the age of 50 years old. He added that the World Suicide Prevention Day was progressing every year. Since the day was launched, most countries worldwide celebrate it with lots of activities ranging from educational seminars and workshops. Print media and social media channels have also played a vital role in the awareness campaigns.
We all have a role to play in saving lives. With the theme of “Change the Narrative,” we are encouraged to dismantle stigma, increase awareness, and show compassion to those who may be struggling. It is a day to unite as a global community and prioritize mental health as a public health issue. To change the perception of suicide, every individual, communities, organizations, and governments must play a significant role.”
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 this year’s theme is “Change the Narrative on Suicide”, “which illustrates efforts to dismantle this stigma, increase awareness, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding to prevent suicide.
