About 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds as per WHO and suicide can be prevented by lending support to each other, especially the people in need. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes critical now more than ever to help protect our mental health and cope with the feeling of uncertainty and fear which becomes very easy to penetrate amongst us. However, the best part about all this is that we can make a difference and help reduce the suicide rate by doing simple things. Every year, National Suicide Prevention Week is observed from September 6 to 12.

Right from knowing the warning signs of suicide to lending a helping hand to the person you think is suicidal, we as a community can do a lot. Communication is the key here, it is important to talk to people. Moreover, one must also take care of their own mental health and seek help whenever required. The annual week-long campaign, National Suicide Prevention Week is observed in the United States to drawing the attention of the health professionals and the general public towards the important subject. Let's discuss the history, date and significance of National Suicide Prevention Week!

National Suicide Prevention Week History

In the US suicide is the 11th major caused of fatality as of 2009. The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) also estimates that there are over 4.6 million survivors of attempted suicide in the United States. With approximately 1.8 million attempts every year the AAS sponsored National Suicide Prevention Week to help spread awareness about suicide and its prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Week Theme & Significance

The theme for National Suicide Prevention Week 2020 is Keep Going. As simple as it may sound, its effects can be quite powerful. The idea is to not let any hurdle pull you down and keep going no matter what. National Suicide Prevention Week is observed during September 6 – 12, 2020 to reinforce the idea that no matter what there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  And hence, #KeepGoing acts as the perfect theme that helps AFSP reminds us all that it is vital to protect and safeguard our mental health and we can make a difference together as a community.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2020 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).