WSPD 2017

What is World Suicide Prevention day?


This year’s theme is about connecting with others and letting people know that #ITSOKAYTOTALK.

Why is it important?

More than 800,000 people take their lives each year across the world. In Japan, more than 20,000 people die by suicide a year – an average of 54 a day.





Take a minute, change a life

People who have lived through a suicide attempt have much to teach us about how the words and actions of others are important. They often talk movingly about reaching the point where they could see no alternative but to take their own life, and about the days, hours and minutes leading up to this. They often describe realising that they did not want to die but instead wanted someone to intervene and stop them. Many say that they actively sought someone who would sense their despair and ask them whether they were okay.

Sometimes they say that they made a pact with themselves that if someone did ask if they were okay, they would tell them everything and allow them to intervene. Sadly, they often reflect that no one asked.

The individuals telling these stories are inspirational. Many of them recount reaching the point where they did try to take their own lives, and tell about coming through it. Many of them are now working as advocates for suicide prevention. Almost universally, they say that if someone had taken a minute, the trajectory that they were on could have been interrupted.


Join us in World Suicide Prevention Day

2017 marks the 15th World Suicide Prevention Day. The day was first recognised in 2003, as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and endorsed by the World Health Organization. World Suicide Prevention Day takes place each year on September 10.

On September 10, join with others around the world who are working towards the common goal of preventing suicide. Show your support by taking part in our Tokyo Tower Climb event aimed at raising funds to take the TELL Lifeline 24 hours.

Finally, if there is anyone you are concerned about, take a minute to check in with them. It could change their life.