Event Calendar

Sep 10, 2009 : World Suicide Prevention Day

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared September 10, 2009 World Suicide Prevention Day. The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day is to improve education about suicide, disseminate information, decrease stigmatization and most importantly, raise awareness that suicide is preventable. This international event provides an opportunity to remind everyone that suicide is influenced by cultural, religious, legal, historical, philosophical and traditional factors and that these contexts need to be taken into account in considering suicide prevention. Because serious mental illnesses, most commonly depression, substance abuse, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia are associated with increased risk of suicide, MPA Society is advocating support of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Did you know:
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people worldwide;
• Every year approximately 1 million people die by suicide – one death every two minutes;
• Suicide deaths account for more than half of all violent death in the world – more than all deaths from wars and homicides combined;
• In some cultures, suicide is still a criminal activity;
• Alcohol and drug abuse are strongly related to suicide; and
• Suicide can be prevented

On September 10th, MPA Society will be supporting World Suicide Prevention Day by joining organizations across the globe to focus public attention on the unacceptable burden and costs of suicidal behaviours. Our website will be directing people to resources where they can gain a better understanding about suicide and by highlighting effective prevention activities.

All MPA staff and Members are also invited to learn more by visiting: www.iasp.info/

Location

Global