10/09/2025
World Su***de Prevention Day - An International Perspective
Mental health is very much a One Health concern and we would like to draw your attention to the newsletter from the Easter Bush Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee released to mark World Su***de Prevention Day. A shortened version of the newsletter is reproduced below.
Today, 10th of September, marks World Su***de Prevention Day (WSPD). This day is a reminder that we can all play a crucial part in creating safer, more inclusive spaces and cultures in which it is easier to check in with each other and concern ourselves with each other’s psychological wellbeing.
The newsletter below has been developed by one of our postgraduate student representatives who, as an international student, is keen that we hear voices and perspectives from across the globe. This newsletter therefore sets out to pay tribute to the many international facets of su***de prevention and to highlight some great initiatives around the world, working to support mental health, that we may not have heard about.
Please note that, whilst this subject is approached very sensitively, it may be upsetting for some readers. Please do not therefore feel that you need to read on.
World Su***de Prevention Day: The global picture
According to the WHO, 727,000 people die of su***de every year. This figure, however, is only the tip of the iceberg: For every life lost, there are many more who survive a su***de attempt. Su***de is a devastating issue that not only affects individuals but also families, institutions, and communities. For this reason, it is not simply a personal tragedy but a public health concern.
Since 2024, World Su***de Prevention Day has been operating with Changing the Narrative on Su***de as its theme, a theme that will be carried into 2026 and that highlights the importance of such a change.
The theme encourages us to question long standing stigma and myths surrounding mental health crisis. This is not limited to challenging our own thoughts and prejudices but extends beyond this, encouraging us all to speak up and introduce a kinder, more open, and empathetic environment where people feel able to speak up and seek help.
Globally, 73% of su***des occur in low- and middle-income countries, where cultural, social, and systemic barriers can make access to mental health support even more challenging. Mental health is something we all have but it is never a one-size-fits-all matter and we need to recognise and better understand the diverse backgrounds and contexts people come from, and how we can create environments that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to different needs.
Across the world, organisations and movements are establishing and growing to address the local specificities of this common global challenge. The African Su***de Prevention Association (ASPA), for example, is working to build a collaborative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive su***de prevention ecosystem across Africa through advocacy, research, capacity building, and innovation. The African Centre for Su***de Prevention and Research (ACSPR), was established in 2016 as a multi-disciplinary university-based research centre in Eastern Africa. The centre is committed to generating, disseminating, and applying knowledge and skills in su***de prevention through research, training and resource production. The Centre aims at developing effective preventive measures of su***de as well as building evidence-based indigenous working models through practitioner-researcher collaboration. It is the ultimate goal of this Centre to contribute to the formulation of social and health policies in dealing with the problem of su***de in Africa.
The ATLAS Project
According to the Progress.guide website, despite growing awareness, su***de prevention efforts remain fragmented, and access to reliable data, crisis support, and innovative interventions varies significantly across the world.
ATLAS (Analytics for Transforming Life-Affirming Solutions) was created by the team behind Progress.guide to bridge these gaps. This initiative serves as both a comprehensive compendium and a collaborative platform, providing a country-by-country analysis of su***de epidemiology, crisis response systems, and the most promising innovations in su***de prevention. By combining data-driven insights with real-world solutions, ATLAS enables countries to learn from one another, refine their strategies, and implement life-saving interventions.
Their website helps to deliver insights across all six continents of Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, Europe and North America. It also provides a country by country overview.
The Global Professional Picture
Healthcare professionals experience higher rates of su***de than most other professions, and within this group, veterinarians are disproportionately affected. These are not just statistics, but reflections of systems that fail to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. In veterinary medicine, challenges may include long working hours, exposure to traumatic events, performing euthanasia, difficult client interactions, and the ongoing struggle of being undervalued or dismissed as “not real doctors.” These pressures highlight the importance of practising self-care and cultivating communities of trust and support within the profession.
Changing the Narrative
Here are some examples, from the International Association of Su***de Prevention (IASP) of how we can all can change the narrative on su***de over World Su***de Prevention Day and take these conversations through into our daily life.
Check in with loved ones
Taking time to reach out to someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger – could change the course of another’s life. Look out for those who you think might be struggling and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are suicidal; the offer of support, showing empathy and validating their feelings is more likely to reduce distress rather than exacerbate it. Encourage them to seek help and further support. Read more guidance on talking through suicidal thoughts and feelings in the IASP resource here.
Keep informed
Consider accessing training opportunities in su***de prevention and awareness to identify and support those with suicidal thoughts and behaviour. For useful tips on how to talk about su***de, you may wish to take part in Zero Su***de Alliance’s free online training. Details of the training offered are provided on the Shining a Light on Su***de website, commissioned by NHS Greater Manchester.
Share your story
Individuals who have survived a su***de attempt or experienced the loss of a loved one to su***de often have valuable insights and can help us understand how the words and actions of others can be important. Sharing your story in a safe and supported way can be powerful to both you and to those around you. Your story can inspire others to seek help and to know they are not alone. For more resources click here.
Advocate for mental health awareness
Promote mental health awareness within your community, use social media, local events or even casual conversations to help spread the message.
Conclusion
This newsletter has highlighted the wider international dimensions of su***de prevention and the many ways we can contribute to a shift in narrative. It is encouraging to see that this challenge is being met both locally and globally and that much can and is being done to address this challenge.
https://www.iasp.info/wspd/
Further links are provided in the comments associated with this post.
Here are some examples of how you can change the narrative on su***de over World Su***de Prevention Day 2025.
