Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 1 – 30, 2026 Recurs yearly

Two adults having a calm, supportive conversation, reflecting the importance of connection and open communication in suicide prevention.

2026 Theme

Changing the Narrative on Suicide (call to action: Start the Conversation)

Theme by International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in partnership with WHO for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Purple & Teal Ribbon representing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Campaign Representation

Officially represented by the Purple & Teal Symbol.

Campaign Description

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month aims to replace stigma and silence with open, supportive conversations while equipping communities with tools to recognize warning signs and prevent suicide.

Theme Focus

The 2026 theme, which concludes the triennial campaign (2024–2026), is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” accompanied by the call to action “Start the Conversation.” Attributed to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the campaign seeks to encourage open and compassionate conversations about suicide, challenge stigma and misconceptions, identify opportunities for prevention, and help people connect with appropriate support.

Key Priorities

  • Start compassionate conversations about suicide and suicidal distress.
  • Reduce stigma and harmful myths that can prevent people from speaking openly or seeking help.
  • Listen without judgment when someone communicates emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
  • Recognize opportunities for early support and connect people with appropriate professional or community services.
  • Improve access to quality mental-health and suicide-prevention care.
  • Strengthen community support and social connection, particularly for people experiencing isolation or significant life stress.
  • Promote evidence-based suicide prevention rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns.
  • Support responsible communication and media reporting about suicide.
  • Strengthen prevention at the systems level, including policies, surveillance, research, workforce capacity and multisectoral collaboration. WHO's current prevention framework specifically emphasizes limiting access to lethal means, responsible media reporting, socio-emotional skills among adolescents, and early identification, assessment, management and follow-up.
  • Include people with lived and living experience in suicide-prevention conversations and initiatives.

Key Concepts

  • Suicide prevention
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Suicide risk
  • Warning signs
  • Protective factors
  • Social connection
  • Isolation
  • Mental health
  • Crisis support
  • Help-seeking
  • Stigma
  • Psychological distress
  • Professional support
  • Safety planning
  • Recovery
  • Bereavement
  • Community support
  • Compassionate communication
  • Responsible media reporting

Campaign Resources & Support

View Awareness Calendar