Georgetown: Amid staggering suicide statistics, Guyana will today join the rest of the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme” Suicide Prevention: One World Connected”.
Suicide is a major public health problem. The psychological pain that leads each of these individuals to take their lives is unimaginable. Their deaths leave families and friends bereft, and often have a major ripple effect on communities. A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report disclosed that every year, over 800,000 people die from suicide; this roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined.
According to WHO, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those aged 30-49 years in 2012 globally, and is the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group in 2012 globally. Overall, it is estimated that during 2012 for each adult who died of suicide, there were over 20 others who made suicide attempts.
In 2012, suicide accounted for 1.4 per cent of all deaths worldwide, making it the 15th leading cause of death. Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America; however, in Asian countries, impulsiveness plays an important role. Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the WHO are committed to preventing suicide. These organisations recognise World Suicide Prevention Day as an important day in the international calendar. World Suicide Prevention Day brings together individuals and organisations with an interest in suicide prevention, and mobilises efforts to save lives.
Efforts to prevent suicide have been celebrated on World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10 – each year since 2003. In 2014, the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is “Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.” The theme reflects the fact that connections are important at several levels if we are to combat suicide. Connectedness is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide. Studies have shown that social isolation can increase the risk of suicide and, conversely, that having strong human bonds can be protective against it.
Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering them support and friendship may be a life-saving act.
