World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cognitive disengagement syndrome), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and substance abuse (including alcoholism and benzodiazepine use and withdrawal) are risk factors.
Suicide is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial ramifications. As per the data, around 700,000 suicides are reported annually on average around the world, which profoundly affects the lives of many. And to curb the unfortunate crisis September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day annually. The day aims to encourage understanding, sharing experiences and reaching the masses to take action and prevent suicides.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) together created World Suicide World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in 2003. Every year on September 10, organizations, governments, and the general public are encouraged to increase awareness of the problem and focus attention on it with the clear message that suicides may be avoided.
World Suicide Prevention Day each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable. It represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.
We in Kashmir too have witnessed a spurt in suicide cases over the past few years and lot needs to be done to save people from committing this cruel and painful act.
A lot needs to be especially done to heal those who are facing crushing depression and stress.