World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on September 10 to raise awareness about suicide prevention and attempts. The day was established in 2003 through the combined efforts of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).According to reports from WHO, over 700,000 individuals take their lives each year, with the number of suicide attempts being 20 times higher. The day aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma, and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.
The World Suicide Prevention Day theme for 2024-2026 is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action ‘Start the Conversation’. The theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
NGOs in India offering help:
AASRA | 91-9820466726
Mumbai-based mental health NGO AASRA is a crisis intervention centre for the lonely, distressed and suicidal. It aims to help prevent and manage mental illness by providing voluntary, professional and essentially confidential care and support. It offers active listening 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
SAHAI | 080-25497777, 09886444075
Bengaluru-based SAHAI offers aid to children, young adults, and adults going through emotional upheaval. People can avail of the phone counselling from Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm.
Sumaitri | 011-23389090, 09315767849
Sumaitri is a Delhi-based crisis intervention centre for people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts. It offers telephonic counselling seven days a week, from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.
Lifeline Foundation | 033-40447437, 09088030303
Lifeline Foundation is a Kolkata-based non-profit organisation. It offers telephonic therapy to anyone who needs help with grief or a mental illness seven days a week, from 10 am to 10 pm. The volunteers also conduct workshops and awareness campaigns.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health | 09999666555
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health, Mumbai, offers multi-lingual phone counselling round the clock. It is free of charge. The sessions are conducted by experienced clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.
Kashmir Lifeline | 1800-180-7020
Kashmir Lifeline offers an anonymous one-to-one conversation with a trained professional. It follows an integrated, personalised approach to mental healthcare. A project by the Healing Minds Foundation, the service is open from Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm.
NIMHANS | 080-46110007
NIMHANS is one of the most sought-after institutions for mental health and neuroscience education in India. It is offering free psychosocial support and mental health services to people experiencing anxiety, stress, fear or any kind of emotional discomfort during the pandemic. The service is available to help Indian residents 24 hours a day, through a toll-free number by professional psychologists and psychiatrists.