A visual popped up this week in my Facebook Memories that reminded me of a global observance at this time of the year. It was a post I shared eight years ago about an event that has been annually marked since 2003 – the World Suicide Prevention Day.
The observance is a collaboration between the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Through the years, the figures continue to astound and sadden us. The World Health Organization has reported that annually more than 700,000 people die due to suicide, which has become the third leading cause of mortality among individuals aged 15-29, just behind accidents and homicide.
For every suicide, WHO added, many other people attempt to commit it, making a previous attempt an important risk factor.
WHO also disclosed that almost two-thirds, or 73 percent, of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries, with the reasons for its commission being “multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological and environmental factors present across the life-course.”
Authorities consider suicide a serious public health concern that requires immediate response. But the light at the far end of the tunnel, WHO said, lies in interventions as response that need multisectoral suicide prevention strategies.
Compounding one’s mental state that may be considered as suicidal behavior are experiences on conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss, and a sense of isolation. The world health body further said that suicide rates are, likewise, high among vulnerable groups, like “refugees and migrants, indigenous people, LGBTI persons and prisoners.”
Suicide is a major public health challenge. Each suicide, health authorities pointed out, has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and they deeply affect individuals and communities worldwide.
With evidenced-based interventions suicide prevention and control are possible through, among others, limiting access to the means of suicide, responsible media reporting, the fostering of socio-emotional life skills among the youth and early identification, and management of those showing suicidal behavior.
This year, until 2026, WHO is promoting this triennial theme for the global observance: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
How will the narrative be changed? By “starting the conversation”.
The theme rallies people all over the world to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
“Changing the narrative on suicide”, the health organization said, “is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”
In short, people are encouraged to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention as every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society, WHO said, adding, “by initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support.”
The theme also calls for policy makers, especially in the government sector, to give suicide prevention and mental health top concern in their decision making processes as “changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.”
You and I can do our share in “changing the narrative” as we are aware that the life we can help save can be anyone’s, including those who are very close to us.
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Another September observance is the Public Relations Month, which was declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through Proclamation No. 1357.
The Public Relations As Society of the Philippines is spearheading the activities for the month-long celebration.
PRSP, a 67-year old organization and the country’s top organization for PR professionals, has embraced “PR for All” as its year-round theme “to further underscore the Society’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, ethical, honorable and transparent community where professionals, both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”
Proclamation No. 1357 recognizes the evolution of the PR profession and industry into a major contributor to national development and the socio-economic well-being of the country.
We extend our well wishes to our friends in the PR community as they mark this milestone in their industry.
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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) | NWI
