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World Suicide Prevention Day Calls for Open Conversations
Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects people and communities around the world.
More than 720,000 people die by suicide each year.
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on September 10.
It was created in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization.
The current campaign is called “Start the Conversation.”
It encourages people to talk about suicide with care and understanding.
The campaign also asks people to challenge harmful myths and reduce shame.
When people feel safe speaking up, they may be more able to seek help.
Governments and institutions are also being urged to make suicide prevention and mental health a priority.
Suicide claims more than 720,000 lives worldwide each year, causing lasting social, emotional, and economic harm.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10.
The day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention with the World Health Organization.
“Start the Conversation” is the 2024–2026 call to action for changing the narrative on suicide.
The campaign urges people to challenge myths, reduce stigma, encourage compassionate dialogue, and prioritise prevention in public policy.
- Who
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention, the World Health Organization, governments, institutions, and communities are involved in the campaign.
- What
- World Suicide Prevention Day is promoting the “Start the Conversation” call to action to change the narrative on suicide.
- Where
- The campaign applies worldwide.
- When
- World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10; the current theme runs from 2024 to 2026.
- Why
- It aims to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support, and make suicide prevention and mental health policy priorities.
Key facts
- Annual deaths
- More than 720,000 people die by suicide each year.
- Commemoration
- World Suicide Prevention Day is held on September 10.
- Established
- The observance was established in 2003.
- Founding organisations
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization established the day.
- Current call to action
- “Start the Conversation.”
- Theme period
- Changing the Narrative on Suicide, 2024–2026.
- Campaign goals
- Challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, foster compassionate conversations, and encourage policy action.



