One of the biggest global health problems is suicide, with more than 700,000 suicides annually around the world, according to the World Health Organisation, something that has extensive socio-economic and emotional consequences for many.
Every year, the month of September is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide prevention as a public health priority, with the triennial theme for 2021-2023 set as Creating Hope Through Action.
The aim of this theme is to serve as a strong call to action and reminder that there are alternatives to suicide and through collective actions we can encourage feelings of hope, strengthening prevention as a result.
The official World Suicide Prevention Day takes place each year on September 10th, with global organisations and communities coming together to see how we can build a world where fewer people die by suicide.
Official statistics show that 5,219 suicides were registered in 2021, a rise of 307 on 2020. The male suicide rate was 15.8 per 100,000, while the female suicide rate was 5.5 per 100,000.
The most at-risk group at the moment is men aged between 50 and 54, with the highest suicide rate of 22.5 per 100,000.
A regional variation is also identifiable, with the north-east of England seeing the highest suicide rate of 14.1 per 100,000. The north-west, meanwhile, has seen a significant increase, with a rate of 12.9 per 100,000 in 2021, compared to 10.1 per 100,000 in the year before.
One of the most effective prevention strategies is talking – but, of course, this can be a difficult conversation to broach. If someone is feeling suicidal, encouraging them to seek professional support is important, as people who have felt suicidal often say what a big relief it was to talk about their experiences and feelings.
Are you considering suicide prevention training? Suicide Bereavement UK delivers evidence-based theory driven courses informed by research and provided by experts in their field.
Paul Higham
Suicide Bereavement UK
Tel: 01706 827359
Mobile: 07850 710555
Email: paul.higham@suicidebereavementuk.com