World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Established in 2003 through the collaboration of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this day focuses on the crucial message that suicides are preventable.
Theme
The theme for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," with the call to action "Start the Conversation." This theme encourages open dialogue and aims to reduce stigma, highlighting the importance of discussing mental health openly to prevent suicides.
Support Services in India
For those in need of support, several NGOs across India offer crucial help:
AASRA (Mumbai): 91-9820466726. Provides 24/7 crisis intervention and confidential support for mental health issues.
SAHAI (Bengaluru): 080-25497777, 09886444075. Offers phone counselling from Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm.
Sumaitri (Delhi): 011-23389090, 09315767849. Provides telephonic counselling daily from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.
Lifeline Foundation (Kolkata): 033-40447437, 09088030303. Offers telephonic therapy and conducts workshops and awareness campaigns, available from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health (Mumbai): 09999666555. Offers free, round-the-clock multilingual phone counselling with experienced professionals.
Kashmir Lifeline: 1800-180-7020. Provides anonymous, one-to-one conversations with trained professionals from Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm.
NIMHANS: 080-46110007. Offers free psychosocial support and mental health services, available 24/7 through a toll-free number.
