World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), celebrated annually on 10 September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The event represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention.
The theme of WSPD 2021, “Creating hope through action,” reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments- can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.
A total of 468 suicide cases were reported across Malaysia in the first five months of 2021. This number is higher compared to 631 cases reported in the whole of 2020.
Different groups are calling for the decriminalisation of suicide in order to end the stigmatisation of mental ill health in Malaysia as reported in The Star today. (https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2021/09/10/call-for-decriminalisation-of-suicide)
Mental health must be approached with compassion, data-driven solutions, and ethical policy-making.
Know that you’re not alone ❤️
