Talking about suicide
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, a person dies by suicide every 40 seconds, which represents nearly 800,000 preventable deaths per year worldwide. The issue of suicide remains stigmatized, and it is estimated that the figures are an underestimate, as many deaths are not recorded as suicides.
Its prevention is considered a public health priority and one of the priority conditions of the Action Programme to bridge the mental health gap established in 2008. In the Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020, WHO member states committed to working towards the global goal of reducing national suicide rates by 10%, but the figures have barely moved.
A Public Health Problem
Talking about it remains the great challenge to break the taboo, learn more about the situation, and have the tools that allow each and every one of us to detect risk situations and take action.
We address this often-silenced reality from the perspectives of survivors, healthcare professionals, and public health policymakers. This is a long-overdue and necessary conversation to dispel misconceptions and highlight the personal and social protective factors that enable effective prevention from childhood onward.
This monograph has been prepared collaboratively by SOM Mental Health 360 and After Suicide - Survivors Association .
Featuring
