‎More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year, and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation has said.

‎The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, is calling for “shifting the narrative” on the issue to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster compassionate conversations.”

‎Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked annually on September 10, Tedros said, “Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.”

‎All age groups are affected by suicide, which was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which data has been gathered by WHO.

‎Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries and impacts all regions of the world.

‎Close to three-quarters of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

‎The average number of suicides across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.

‎In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia, the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.

‎The link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries.

‎However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

‎In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.

‎Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons, and incarcerated prisoners.

‎“We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support,” Tedros said.

‎“We must create environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help,” he stressed.

‎“Shifting the narrative on suicide also means driving systemic change, where governments prioritise and invest in quality mental health care and policies to ensure everyone gets the support they need.”

‎According to the 2024 Mental Health Atlas report by WHO, median government spending on mental health has remained at a modest two per cent of total health budgets since 2017.

‎Moreover, there is a significant disparity between high-income and low-income nations.

‎Whilst high-income nations allocate up to $65 per person to mental health, low-income nations spend as little as $0.04.

‎WHO recognises mental health as a universal human right.

‎WHO says that there are effective measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and self-harm.

‎LIVE LIFE, the agency’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends limiting access to the means of suicide (e.g., pesticides, firearms, certain medications).

‎It also recommended interaction with the media for responsible reporting of suicide.

‎Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, early identification, assessment, management, and following up with anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours are other effective measures, according to WHO.

‎(NAN)