Over 700,000 Incidents Annually: WHO Calls for Action on Global Suicide Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgent need to dismantle barriers to suicide prevention, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Salam Watandar English reported. Annually, over 700,000 people worldwide take their own lives, making suicide the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” encourages open conversations to reduce stigma and foster supportive environments. WHO stresses the importance of transforming societal perceptions of suicide from silence to understanding.
In Afghanistan, alarming trends have emerged, particularly concerning the rising suicide rates among women. Investigations by Salam Watandar revealed 16 suicide incidents within six months of 2024, driven by factors such as domestic violence, poverty, forced marriage, and mental health issues. Sociologist Zia Nikzad highlights the impact of restrictions on women, noting that many had aspirations for active roles in society that have since been curtailed. Psychologist Kokaba Nawab adds that when individuals lose hope for the future, despair can lead to tragic outcomes.
As awareness grows, WHO urges communities to engage in meaningful dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention to create a more supportive world.
