World Suicide Prevention Day: why it matters and how to support
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Learn what it means, why it matters, and 9 ways you can show your support and help spread awareness.
Suicide remains a serious public health issue, claiming the lives of more than 720,000 people each year. But despite its scale, it’s often shrouded in silence. Stigma continues to prevent many from asking for help — and all too often, it leaves families grieving in the dark, asking questions that will never be answered.
World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10, is an opportunity to change that. It’s a time to honor the lives lost, support those who are struggling, and back efforts to save lives through increased awareness and connection.
World Suicide Prevention Day is important. Here’s everything you need to know about it and ways for you to take part in meaningful ways.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed every year on September 10. It was first launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of suicide and reduce the stigma around it that often prevents people from seeking help.
It’s also an opportunity to foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide through public events, social media, and one-on-one check-ins. WSPD encourages each of us to be part of a broader, life-affirming effort to notice, listen, and help where we can.
Why World Suicide Prevention Day matters
For many people, suicide is a personal issue. Maybe you’ve lost someone you love to suicide or supported someone through a mental health crisis. Or maybe you’ve had your own dark moments of feeling so overwhelmed and isolated that you’ve wondered if things would ever get better.
World Suicide Prevention Day matters because suicide continues to take far too many lives. In fact, it’s the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, according to WHO. However, it’s often misunderstood and stigmatized, which can stop people from asking for help.
But with the right support, connection, and care, it’s possible to prevent suicide. Awareness days like this one remind us that listening without judgment, checking in, and sharing resources can make a real difference.
Related read: What is World Mental Health Day? Plus, 7 ways to celebrate
How to support or participate in World Suicide Prevention Day: 9 ways to act
No matter what your background is, there’s space for you to participate in World Suicide Prevention Day. Here are some meaningful ways to engage, whether you’re supporting someone you love or just trying to help spread awareness in a more mindful way.
1. Start a conversation (even if it feels awkward)
Talking about suicide may seem hard or uncomfortable, but it can help save lives. If someone you know seems off, check in with them.
Don’t worry about finding the perfect words — just focus on being gentle and curious. Try something simple like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter lately. Want to talk?” or “How are you, really?”
Then, really focus on what they have to say. Listening without judgment is often much more powerful than giving advice.
💙 Learn how to help those struggling with Supportive Listening with Jay Shetty.
Related read: What is Men’s Mental Health Month? Plus, 6 ways to support it
2. Learn the warning signs
Educate yourself on the common signs that someone might be struggling, like social withdrawal, hopelessness, changes in sleep or mood, or talking about feeling like a burden.
Sites like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) are great resources to turn to.
Knowing what to look for can help you spot when someone might need support.
Related read: How to help a friend with depression: 8 ways to offer support
3. Check your language
How we talk about suicide matters. Instead of saying, “committed suicide,” which can reinforce stigma, use the phrase, “died by suicide.” The golden rule is to center the person’s humanity over the cause of their death.
4. Share helplines and resources
Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do is help someone get the care they need. Share crisis helplines, especially in your local area, and post the information of major support groups in common spaces or on your social media channels.
In the United States, the major organizations include the following:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741.
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
In other countries, Befrienders Worldwide can direct you to your local services.
5. Create or attend an event
Many communities host vigils, walks, or panel discussions in honor of WSPD. These gatherings create space for healing, remembrance, and awareness, so do some research to see what’s going on near you.
You can also organize your own event. Something as simple as a candlelight walk, a wellness workshop, or a resource-sharing lunch at work can make a real impact.
6. Join the digital conversation
Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Even a single post can help reduce stigma. Use hashtags like #WorldSuicidePreventionDay or #YouAreNotAlone to raise awareness.
Share a graphic, a statistic, or even your own story if you feel comfortable. Authentic, grounded posts often resonate most, and they can help people realize they’re not alone.
7. Educate your workplace or school
Workplaces and schools are important spaces for prevention. If you can, ask the leadership team to share mental health resources with employees, staff, or students.
Suggest a short webinar, post a helpline in internal comms, or invite a speaker to share their lived experience. These actions make it clear that support exists and that asking for help is encouraged in the organization.
💙 Explore ways to improve your workplace with the Mindfulness at Work series with Tamara Levitt.
8. Care for your own mental health
Be sure to take care of yourself, too. Make space for your own needs, such as rest, connection, therapy, joy, and movement, especially if you’re struggling.
If you’ve lost someone to suicide, the grief following the loss can be complex and enduring. Reach out to therapists, friends, family members, or counselors for support. You deserve care.
💙 Get support Caring for Your Grief in this series with Lama Rod Owens.
9. Support organizations doing this work year-round
Consider donating to or volunteering with groups focused on suicide prevention. Look for helpline services, peer support charities, or grassroots organizations in your area.
Regular donations, social shares, and administrative help can free up their time and resources, so that they’re able to help more people.
World Suicide Prevention Day FAQs
When is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10. In addition, the entire month of September is often recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with many organizations running campaigns, workshops, and memorials throughout the month to extend the conversation and further support efforts.
What’s the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day this year?
The current theme is Creating Hope Through Action. It’s running through 2026 and encourages people to take small but meaningful steps that can inspire hope.
Whether you’re supporting someone else, sharing your own story, or learning how to talk more openly about mental health, the message behind this year’s theme is that every action, big or small, can help save lives.
What are some activities that can spread awareness on World Suicide Prevention Day?
There are many ways to participate in World Suicide Prevention Day, and the right one is the one that feels best for you. You might wear a ribbon or wristband in honor of the day, share a social media post to amplify resources, or host a small event in your workplace or community.
Some people light candles at home or in public spaces to remember those they lost. Others volunteer their time and donate money to local suicide prevention charities. Some even attend online talks to learn more about mental health support.
But you can start at home, too. Checking in with someone who’s been on your mind can be an act of prevention.
Why is suicide prevention awareness so important?
Suicide prevention awareness is so important because silence and stigma are still major barriers in helping people get the support they need. Many who are struggling don’t reach out because they fear being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood.
Suicide prevention awareness helps normalize these conversations, create safer spaces to ask for help, and remind people that they’re not alone. It also teaches communities how to recognize signs of distress and respond in ways that are compassionate and helpful.
Where can I find suicide prevention day resources?
Many reputable organizations offer free, practical awareness resources tailored for various groups, including schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and individuals. They might include conversation guides, digital toolkits, myth-busting facts, posters, or video campaigns.
A few good places to start include:
Samaritans (UK)
You can also check in with local mental health organizations or health departments for region-specific materials.
How can I help a friend or loved one struggling with their mental health?
Start by being present. Most times, just showing you care is enough.
Ask open questions like, “How are you holding up lately?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down. Do you want to talk about it?” Listen to them without interrupting or offering solutions too quickly. Let them know you’re there for them, and that they can talk to you without fear of judgment.
If they express suicidal thoughts, encourage them to speak with a mental health professional and help them find support. Offer to make the appointment or go with them if they’re open to it.
It’s also important to keep checking in over time, especially in the days and weeks after a tough conversation. That continued presence can be a lifeline, as their mood can change depending on the day and circumstances.
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