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World Suicide Prevention Day

Show your support and join us in raising awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day - together we can make a difference!

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 10

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYMental Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 is the perfect time to come together and talk about suicide prevention! This day has been celebrated since 2003, when it was founded by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. It's a chance not just to raise awareness but also to celebrate life, love, and hope. Together we can make a difference in our communities and save lives that would otherwise be lost too soon.

TIMELINE

World Suicide Prevention Day Timeline

Early Suicide Research

The mid-century saw the advent of early systematic research into suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

First Suicide Hotline

The world's first suicide prevention hotline, Samaritans, is established in the United Kingdom.

IASP Established

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) launches to encourage collaboration on suicide prevention globally.

WHO's GLOBAL Strategy

World Health Organization (WHO) launches SUPRE, a global strategy for suicide prevention.

First World Suicide Prevention Day

IASP establishes World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, a day for international awareness on suicide prevention.

WHO's Comprehensive Report

WHO publishes its first comprehensive report on suicide, bringing global attention to the urgency of suicide prevention.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day

Practice self-care

Take time to do something for yourself that will make you feel good. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, going for a walk, or having a relaxing day at home, take time to focus on your mental health.

REACH

Reach out to someone

Whether it is an old friend or a family member, take the time on World Suicide Prevention Day to reach out and check in with someone that you care about. Offer your support and let them know that you are there for them if they need it.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Post about World Suicide Prevention Day on social media, write a blog post about it, or wear something that brings awareness to the issue. Every little bit counts when it comes to spreading awareness and educating people about suicide prevention.

TALK

Talk openly about mental health

Start conversations about mental health with friends and family. Let people know that it is okay to talk about their struggles and provide resources if needed.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Look into volunteering at a local suicide prevention organization or crisis center. Volunteering is an amazing way to give back and make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Suicide Prevention Day is Important

It raises money for suicide prevention programs

Recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day is an important way to support organizations and charities that are dedicated to reducing rates of suicide and preventing more lives from being lost. By donating time or money to these causes, you can show your support for those struggling with suicidal ideations.

Suicide is a serious issue

Every year, thousands of people around the world take their own lives, leaving behind devastated families and friends. World Suicide Prevention Day shines a light on this issue to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention resources.

It helps remove the stigma

Many people are hesitant to talk about suicide because they fear judgement or stigma. However, by recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day and encouraging open dialogue, we can help reduce this stigma and make it easier to communicate about our mental health issues.

Related holidays

Suicide Prevention Week

Shining a light on Suicide Prevention Week: Educating, amplifying voices, and uplifting lives. Together, we can make a difference!

World Mental Health Day

Take time to focus on your mental health this World Mental Health Day - practice self-care and prioritize your wellbeing!

National Suicide Prevention Month

A month-long awareness observance in the United States dedicated to suicide prevention, reducing stigma, and connecting people to mental health support.