This year the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing their World Mental Health Day message on “40 Seconds of Action.” It ‘is a day for us to unite in our efforts to improve the mental health of people around the world. The theme selected for this year’s Day is suicide prevention.’
The Goals of the “40 Seconds of Action” Campaign by the World Health Organization
The goals of the “40 Seconds of Action” campaign include but are not limited to:
- Improve awareness of the significance of suicide as a global public health problem
- Improve knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide
- Reduce the stigma associated with suicide
- Let people who are struggling know that they are not alone
Every 40 Seconds Someone Loses Their Life to Suicide
This is the primary message that WHO wants to bring attention to. Understanding how big the problem actually is, is the first step in working toward prevention. We are including some more suicide-related facts and figures to help drive this message home.
Worldwide Suicide Facts and Figures
Business Insider recently published a World Suicide Rate Map based on the most recent data available from WHO (by country). It measures suicides per 100,000 population.
According to the World Suicide Rate Map data, suicides are most prominent in Asia and Eastern Europe. Lithuania has the highest suicide rate of 28.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 people (out of the countries in which data is available).
Other worldwide suicide facts and figure from WHO include:
- Suicide affects people of all age groups in all countries
- In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide
- Youth suicide is increasing at the greatest rate.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds
- Mental health disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with 90% of all cases of suicide
United States Suicide Facts and Figures
The following suicide statistics are compiled from the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Every day, approximately 123 Americans die from suicide, which averages out to one suicide in the U.S. every 12 minutes
- There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts
- Although youth suicide rates are increasing at the fastest rates, death rates from suicide continue to be the highest among older adults ages 65 years and older
- Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than are females, but females are more likely to attempt suicide
Suicide Can Be Prevented
Did you know that 80% to 90% of Americans that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication? But only half of all Americans experiencing a major episode of depression get treatment.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent Suicide?
On October 10 – World Mental Health Day 2019 – help spread the word about suicide. Participate in WHO’s “40 Seconds of Action” campaign. They are asking you to share your messages, photos, illustrations and videos (that are not of private nature) on social media using the hashtags: #40seconds and #WorldMentalHealthDay. Please remember to respect the privacy of others, especially in regard to such a sensitive topic, and not share any information about other’s mental health unless you have their full consent to do so.
For other ideas on how to participate, download this World Mental Health Day 2019 Flyer published by WHO.
It’s OK to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Conditions
Older generations may have or may still do feel that there is a negative stigma attached to seeking professional help for their mental health. But times have changed significantly, as many members of younger generations openly discuss mental health issues and seeking professional help. No matter if you choose to openly discuss it or not, know that the information you discuss with a mental health professional is kept confidential and subject to HIPAA guidelines.
If you or a loved one is a danger to yourself or to others or are experiencing a medical emergency – call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 free and confidential support at 1-800-273-8255.
Professional Counseling Services for Depression and Other Mental Health Conditions
Dr. Alyx MacTernan, the founder of Elemental Mental Health and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Georgia and Texas makes it easy and convenient to seek treatment. She offers telemental health counseling sessions, offering clients the ability to get treatment from the privacy and comfort of their own home. Contact Dr. Alyx MacTernan via the website contact form or by calling 404-548-8737.