World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every September 10th to raise awareness and support for people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Older article — Views and information may have evolved since this was written. Mental health status has significantly improved. Preserved for historical reference.
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World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10th. It’s a day to raise awareness, remember people lost to suicide, and support survivors — both those who’ve lost someone and those of us who’ve lived through suicidal thoughts or attempts.
The tradition: light a candle near a window at 8 PM local time. It’s a small gesture that shows solidarity with people struggling, honors those we’ve lost, and signals to anyone walking by that they’re seen.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) maintains e-cards and postcards in various languages so you can share the reminder with friends, family, and coworkers.
More from IASP about Light a Candle at 8 PM
I’m a survivor
I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts for most of my life, and I’ve attempted suicide more than once. I’m still here.
Many aren’t
The numbers aren’t going down. I feel for the people we’ve lost — the suffering that brought them to that point, and all the years that got taken from them.
I also feel for their families, friends, and anyone who loved them. I know how it feels. Every September 10th, I light a candle for my uncle, who died by suicide years ago.
We need better mental health care
We need more awareness, better support, easier access to treatment. The people suffering need it. Their families need it.
This stuff should be taught in school. Most people with mental illness don’t know what’s happening to them for years — they just think “something’s wrong with me” and go undiagnosed, sometimes their whole life. A lot of them don’t make it.
Even when people know they need help, they often can’t get it. Cost, insurance, discrimination, no local providers, long waitlists. The barriers are everywhere.
And we need to reduce the stigma around mental illness. Too many people suffering in silence are also being bullied for it. I’ve read story after story about people treated like garbage for a health condition they didn’t choose. The media makes it worse — movies, news, ads, all reinforcing the worst stereotypes.
If you’re struggling today
Whether you know someone at risk or you’re the one feeling suicidal — please talk to someone. It’s better to bring it up, even awkwardly, than to lose someone.
If you’re the one struggling, my say no to suicide post has crisis lines and what to do right now.
- Check in with the people around you.
- Check in with yourself.
Crisis line (US): Call or text 988 — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. 988lifeline.org
Outside the US: findahelpline.com