Suicide Is Not Just a Mental Health Issue. It Is a Public Health Crisis.

By Victor Odogwu

More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2021 alone, an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide, and it was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29. About 73% of suicide deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

These numbers are difficult to ignore. But suicide is not only about statistics. It is also about how we understand and respond to people who may be struggling.

It Doesn’t Always Look Like Struggling

When we think about someone who may be suicidal, we often imagine someone who is visibly distressed or withdrawn. But that is not always the case. Someone can still go to work, attend school, interact with friends and carry on with their usual routine while dealing with serious personal challenges.

Financial difficulties, relationship problems, loss, loneliness, abuse, violence, discrimination and other difficult life circumstances can increase the risk of suicide. Mental health conditions and previous suicide attempts are also important risk factors.

This does not mean that everyone experiencing these challenges is at risk of suicide. It simply means that we cannot always tell what someone is going through by looking at them.

So, How Do We Respond?

This is where everyday conversations matter. If someone says they are struggling, instead of quickly saying, “You’ll be fine” or “Don’t think like that,” it may be more helpful to ask what is going on and listen.

We do not have to have all the answers, but we can take their concerns seriously, stay connected and encourage them to speak to a mental health professional or another appropriate source of support.

If someone appears to be in immediate danger, professional or emergency help should be sought rather than leaving them to deal with the situation alone.

“Changing the Narrative on Suicide” is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026. The goal is to encourage more open and informed conversations around suicide and move away from the stigma that often surrounds it.

Prevention Is Possible

Suicide prevention requires more than awareness. It includes access to mental health services, early support, stronger social connections, responsible communication and action on some of the social and economic factors that contribute to distress.

But it can also start with something simple: paying attention.

A conversation may not solve someone’s problems, but taking their words seriously can make it easier for them to seek the help they need.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every 10 September, but the conversation should not end there.

Understanding the facts, recognising that people may be struggling without obvious signs and knowing how to respond are all part of taking suicide prevention seriously.

Suicide is preventable. The first step is being willing to talk about it.