Every year, more than 720,000 people around the world die by suicide, with many more attempting it. Marking World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments, communities, and individuals to challenge stigma, address myths, and foster open conversations about suicide.
“Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support.”
A Leading Cause of Death Among Young People
In 2021, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29, highlighting its devastating impact on young lives. While it affects all age groups, the issue is particularly acute among youth and vulnerable populations.
Importantly, suicide is not confined to high-income countries. Nearly three-quarters of suicides in 2021 occurred in low- and middle-income nations, according to WHO data.
The global average rate was 8.9 suicides per 100,000 people, but significant regional differences emerged:
- Africa: 11.5 per 100,000
- Europe and Southeast Asia: 10.1 per 100,000
- Western Pacific: 7.5 per 100,000
- Eastern Mediterranean: 4.0 per 100,000 (the lowest globally)
Who Is Most at Risk?
Suicide has well-established links with mental health conditions, particularly depression, alcohol use disorders, and a history of previous attempts. Yet many suicides occur impulsively during crises, triggered by stressors such as financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, chronic illness, or pain.
Risk is also heightened for individuals exposed to conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or social isolation. Vulnerable groups facing discrimination—such as refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, LGBTI persons, and incarcerated individuals—experience disproportionately high rates of suicide.
Shifting the Narrative
According to WHO, shifting the narrative around suicide means building environments where people feel safe to seek help. It also requires systemic change, with governments prioritizing mental health care and policy reforms.
Despite growing recognition of its importance, global spending on mental health remains inadequate. The 2024 Mental Health Atlas found that the median government allocation has stayed at just 2 percent of total health budgets since 2017.
The gap between high- and low-income nations is striking: while wealthy countries spend up to $65 per person, the lowest-income nations allocate only $0.04 per person to mental health services.
“Shifting the narrative also means driving systemic change, where governments prioritize and invest in quality mental health care,” Tedros emphasized.
Suicide Prevention Is Possible
WHO stresses that suicide is preventable and highlights effective, evidence-based strategies through its LIVE LIFE initiative. Key measures include:
- Limiting access to means of suicide, such as pesticides, firearms, and certain medications.
- Promoting responsible media reporting on suicide to avoid sensationalism and harmful narratives.
- Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents to strengthen resilience and coping mechanisms.
- Early identification and follow-up for individuals showing signs of suicidal behavior.
These measures, combined with broader investment in mental health systems, could save thousands of lives every year.
Recognizing Mental Health as a Human Right
WHO has declared mental health a universal human right, underscoring that access to quality care and support should not depend on geography or income level.
“By fostering compassionate conversations and implementing proven prevention measures, we can create societies where fewer lives are lost to suicide,” Tedros concluded.
Moving Forward
World Suicide Prevention Day serves as both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. Breaking silence, ending stigma, and expanding access to care remain urgent priorities for governments worldwide.
Suicide is preventable. With collective responsibility, early intervention, and investment in mental health, the world can turn grief into action and create safer, more supportive environments for all.