World Suicide Prevention Day: Creating hope through action

Dr Matiur Rahman :
Suicide is considered a severe public health concern worldwide. To prevent suicide, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Federation of Mental Health jointly observed ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ on September 10 every year since 2003. The day raises awareness among governments, organizations and the public about suicide prevention, reduces the stigma of suicide and conveys the message that suicide can be prevented.
“Creating hope through action” is the triennial central theme of World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme reminds us that there is an alternative to suicide and that there is something to instil confidence in us all and inspire us to shine in the light.
WHO says every suicide death is a severe public health concern that profoundly impacts the family and those around the person who commits suicide. In this case, by increasing public awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding suicide, and encouraging informed action, we can reduce the incidence of suicide worldwide.
An infographic by IASP shows that 703,000 people worldwide commit suicide each year. The global suicide rate is twice as high among men as among women. More than half (58%) of people commit suicide before age 50. Suicides occur in all regions of the world, but three-quarters (77%) of global suicides in 2019 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
On the other hand, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, about 8 lakh people commit suicide yearly. The number is 2,191 people per day-about 16 people per lakh. Suicide rates in developing countries have increased by 60 per cent in the last 50 years. The suicide rate in Bangladesh is 2.6 per cent, and this rate is increasing every year. According to various reports, one commits suicide every 40 seconds worldwide. So there is no doubt that suicide has emerged as an important public health problem.
From the data of the last few years, it is known that the incidence of suicide and committing suicide tendency in Bangladesh is increasing at an alarming rate. In 2016, there were less than 9,000 suicide cases in the country, and in 2017 and 2018, the number was over 10,000 and 11,000, respectively. More than 14,000 people committed suicide in 2020 during the Corona pandemic. So there is no doubt that the suicide rate is increasing.
According to the World Health Organization, Bangladesh ranks tenth in suicide rates worldwide. An average of 30 people commits suicide in Bangladesh every day. This includes women, men, children and people of all ages. The suicide rate is higher among women aged 21 to 30 years. Beyond these statistics, many more suicide cases remain unknown to us. Various research reports published in the last decade show that the suicide rate in the country is continuously increasing.
Sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and other experts have tried to unravel the causes of suicide and suicidal tendencies in various ways. Psychologists point to depression and mental illness as causes of suicide, while sociologists point out that social factors are responsible for depression and mental illness. So, social factors are mostly responsible for the occurrence of suicide. No single factor works equally well for everyone, and we know that certain factors and life events can make someone more vulnerable to suicide. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression also contribute to committing suicide.
Suicide is a great sin – an offence under the law, and there is no justification for suicide in all religions and morals of the world. So why do people choose to commit suicide? There are various public and private initiatives and efforts to eliminate or reduce suicide, and there are also laws, rules and regulations to prevent suicide. But despite these, suicides are happening. So what are the causes of suicide? The reasons that naturally come to mind are dowry, unemployment, family quarrels, urges stress, depression, failure in love, the discrepancy between needs and aspirations, negative thinking, lack of goals and objectives in life, lack of self-confidence, etc.
Due to these reasons, many people choose a horrible way like suicide. What is the way to get rid of it? According to experts, psychotherapy, a positive attitude, empathy, extending the hand of friendship, creating an environment for talking and sharing emotions, and self-criticism are essential to get rid of it. To reduce the suicide rate, policymakers must first step forward, and public awareness should be developed.
It is necessary to undertake more coordinated projects and programs by government and non-governmental organizations across the country. Creating job opportunities and job assurance for students of higher education institutions according to their qualifications, addressing growing inequality and raising social awareness are needed to reduce suicide.
Experts say people must be taught that no matter what happens, good or bad, it is part of life; they should be patient without losing confidence. As a result, these people can overcome any adverse situation. Besides, some practical knowledge in government and private initiatives such as financial management, emotional control, career-oriented skill development etc., can be essential in reducing suicide.
As IASP says, suicide is often preventable, and you and I can all play an essential role in this regard. Through our actions – as members of society, as teachers, parents, friends, colleagues, or neighbours – we can contribute to the most challenging times in someone’s life. We can all play a role in helping those in a suicidal crisis and stand by them through all our efforts – essential for a healthy and everyday social life. Experts believe otherwise; stopping the march of death will not be possible.

(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).