On October 10 each year, people from across the globe come together to observe World Mental Health Day and shed light on mental healthcare and illnesses.
The World World Federation for Mental Health created this initiative in 1992 to raise global awareness, education, and advocacy against the stigma of mental health.
This year the theme of the day is “40 seconds of action” to signify the chilling fact that one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide, and to rally around the cause of suicide prevention.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29, with people of all ages vulnerable. Though suicide is a global issue, nearly 79% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.”Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.
Suicide is a pricky topic kept under wraps and not spoken about in public. But by not talking and educating ourselves we are removing the chance to create a safe space for people struggling.
According to the Hindustan Times, in India approximately 2.2 lakh people die by suicide annually, and as FIT has earlier reported 1 in 3 suicides that happen in the world, happen in our country.
(If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call these numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs)
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