Awareness Day

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2026 Recurs yearly

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

2026 Theme

Changing the Narrative on Suicide (Call to action: “Start the Conversation”)

Yellow and Orange Ribbon representing World Suicide Prevention Day

Campaign Representation

Officially represented by the Yellow & Orange Symbol.

Campaign Description

Organized by IASP with WHO support since 2003, this day promotes global commitment to suicide prevention through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.

Theme Focus

The 2026 theme which is the third and final year of the 2024–2026 triennial theme focuses on encouraging open, compassionate conversations about suicide, challenging harmful myths and stigma, improving access to appropriate support, and strengthening suicide prevention as a public-health priority.

Key Priorities

  • Start the conversation: create safe opportunities for people to talk about suicidal thoughts, distress and the need for support.
  • Challenge stigma and myths: replace silence, shame and misconceptions with accurate information and compassionate communication.
  • Recognise distress and respond appropriately: encourage timely identification, assessment, support and follow-up for people experiencing suicidal behaviour or severe distress.
  • Strengthen access to care: improve access to appropriate, evidence-based mental-health and suicide-prevention services.
  • Build supportive communities: encourage connection and collaboration among families, communities, healthcare professionals, schools, workplaces and other sectors.
  • Make prevention a public-health priority: support evidence-based national and community strategies rather than treating suicide prevention as solely an individual responsibility.

Key Concepts

  • Suicide prevention
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Self-harm
  • Mental health
  • Mental-health support
  • Stigma
  • Risk factors
  • Protective factors
  • Crisis support
  • Early identification
  • Psychological distress
  • Community support
  • Responsible communication
  • Suicide-prevention strategy
  • Multisectoral prevention

Campaign Resources & Support

View Awareness Calendar