IASP and WHO Co-sponsor World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th

Online, August 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) co-sponsor World Suicide Prevention Day every year on September 10th.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one million people die by suicide every year; this represents a "global" mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds, or about 3,000 deaths by suicide daily.For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.

IASP President, Dr.Lanny Berman, states, "On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, 2010, the theme "Many Faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention across the World" offers us a broad perspective for suicide prevention. There are significant differences in the profiles and circumstances of suicidal individuals in different parts of the world. At the same time, it is clear that the experience of connectedness is important in the mental health of all people."

The WHO has noted that not all suicides can be prevented, but a majority can. Developing and implementing national strategies as well as specific local interventions can lower rates of suicide in diverse populations.

The IASP expects that this year's activities will be held in over 40 countries around the world. In addition, the organization has prepared World Suicide Prevention Day banners in 39 languages that bloggers can use to increase suicide prevention awareness locally and globally in their own language.

Also the IASP is encouraging people to light a candle, near a window, at 8 PM, to show their support for suicide prevention and for those bereaved by suicide, or to remember a loved one lost to suicide.

A list of suggested activities is available on the IASP's World Suicide Prevention Day page.

IASP - World Suicide Prevention Day
http://www.iasp.info/wspd/

For press information, please contact:
President - Dr. Lanny Berman (USA) Cell: 1 301 661 5095
Dr Anthony Davis (Australia) Cell: +61 402 247096
Prof Paul Yip (Hong Kong) Cell: +852 2241 5017
Dr Ella Arensman (Europe) Cell: + 353 870522284
Prof Michael Phillips (China) Cell: + 8618917192966
Organizational info - Mrs Vanda Scott Cell: +44 7824 9955 67