World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Date, theme, history, significance, and more details

This year, the global observance takes place on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, and will be marked under the triennial theme (2024–2026) of “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.

🟡 10 September is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

💬 Asking if someone is considering a suicide can save a life. A conversation can change everything!

🇵🇱 Poland’s 2021–25 strategy links health, education & communities to prevent suicide.#WSPD2025 #zapobiegajmysamobojstwom pic.twitter.com/810IontaKD

— WHO Poland (@WHOPoland) September 9, 2025

Changing the narrative includes encouraging systemic change, thereby advocating for suicide prevention and mental health as public policy priorities, demanding governments and institutions to act.

Must Read | How to identify and manage suicidal tendencies

This theme encourages us all to confront damaging stereotypes, remove stigma, and promote open, compassionate discussions about suicide.

It is about transitioning from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support – establishing circumstances in which individuals feel comfortable speaking up and seeking help.

WHO lists some of the warning signs that one should be aware of:

• Threatening to kill oneself.
• Saying things like, “No-one will miss me when I am gone”.
• Looking for ways to take one’s own life.
• Saying goodbye to close family members and friends, giving away valued
• possessions or writing a will.

Among those who are more at risk include:

• People who have previously tried to take their own life.
• Someone with depression or an alcohol or drug problem.
• Those suffering from severe emotional distress.
• People suffering from chronic pain or illness.
• Those who are socially isolated.

It brings global attention to suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments in the notion that suicides are preventable.

This includes creating and implementing evidence-based methods, increasing access to quality treatment, and ensuring that individuals in distress receive the assistance they require.

‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ rising keyword on Google Search Trends (Screenshot)