World Suicide Prevention Day
Next: September 10, 2027
Check in on someone today.
The story
Where it comes from
World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention together with the World Health Organization. It exists to reduce stigma, encourage people to reach out, and press governments to treat suicide prevention as a public-health priority.
How it's celebrated
Candles are lit in windows at 8 pm to remember those lost and to stand with survivors and those who struggle. Mental-health organisations hold walks, talks and training in how to ask someone if they are okay. The most common message of the day is the simplest: reach out, and listen.
Did you know
- The WHO estimates more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year; for every death, many more attempt it.
- Asking a person directly whether they are thinking about suicide does not increase risk; research consistently shows it can be the first step to help.
- Malaysia decriminalised attempted suicide in 2023, following a long campaign by mental-health advocates.
Coming up next
- World First Aid Day · September 11, 2027
- O. Henry's Birthday · September 11, 2027
- Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) · September 12, 2027
- Onam · September 12, 2027
- United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation · September 12, 2027
- International Chocolate Day · September 13, 2027