Observed every year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is a global call to action to raise awareness about suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and inspire efforts that can save lives. Suicide is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a pressing public health concern that affects individuals, families, and entire communities.
ଆତ୍ମହତ୍ୟା ସମାଧାନର ରାସ୍ତା ନୁହେଁ, ଏହା ଏକ ଦୁର୍ବଳ ମାନସିକତା। ଆତ୍ମହତ୍ୟା ନିବାରଣ ପାଇଁ ଆମ ସରକାର ରାଜ୍ୟବ୍ୟାପୀ ‘ଜୀବନ ଜିନ୍ଦାବାଦ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆରମ୍ଭ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
ଆଜି ଆତ୍ମହତ୍ୟା ନିବାରଣ ଦିବସରେ ଆସନ୍ତୁ ସଂକଳ୍ପ ନେବା – ସମସ୍ଯାକୁ ହରାଇବା, ଜୀବନକୁ ଭଲ ପାଇବା, ଆତ୍ମହତ୍ୟାର ନିବାରଣ ପାଇଁ ବ୍ୟାପକ ସାମାଜିକ ସଚେତନତା ସୃଷ୍ଟି… pic.twitter.com/KMlxSVe6e1— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) September 10, 2025
Launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), this day serves as a reminder that suicide is preventable, and through timely intervention, compassion, and support, we can create a world where fewer people feel like ending their lives is the only option.
Why Was World Suicide Prevention Day Started?
World Suicide Prevention Day was established to:
- Raise awareness about mental health struggles and suicidal behavior
- Encourage open conversations around depression, anxiety, and emotional pain
- Reduce stigma and myths around suicide
- Promote better access to mental health services
- Mobilize communities and governments to implement effective prevention strategies
2025 Theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”
The current global theme from 2024 to 2026 is:
“Changing the Narrative on Suicide”
A campaign that aims to shift the way we speak, think, and respond to suicide—encouraging understanding, empathy, and action instead of silence, shame, or fear.
This theme urges us to break the long-standing stigma, bring suicide into the public conversation, and treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.
Past Themes:
2021–2023 – Creating Hope Through Action
2024–2026 – Changing the Narrative on Suicide
These themes emphasize both personal responsibility and community action, reminding us that hope and healing are possible through meaningful support.
The Grim Reality in Odisha
As the world marks this critical day, Odisha faces a deepening mental health crisis, particularly among students. Rising youth suicides and recent high-profile tragedies have intensified calls for policy reform, greater investment in mental health infrastructure, and urgent community-level intervention.
Startling Student Suicide Statistics
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From 2020 to February 2025, Odisha reported 72 student suicides in schools and colleges, according to official data.
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In 2023 alone, the state recorded a staggering 189 student suicides—a 58% increase from 119 in 2021.
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Key factors include:
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Academic pressure and exam stress
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Harassment or bullying (including ragging in hostels)
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Denial of mobile phone use or personal freedom
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Domestic conflicts or emotional neglect
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Mental health issues like depression and anxiety
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Despite a slight dip in the overall suicide numbers in Odisha from 6,140 (in 2022) to 5,989 (in 2023), the suicide rate remains alarmingly high at 13.3 per 100,000—above the national average.
These numbers represent lives lost, families devastated, and futures unfulfilled.
The Alarming Rise in Student Suicides
Among the most vulnerable groups are young students—especially in countries like India—where academic pressure, fear of failure, and parental expectations often take a severe toll.
Why are students at risk?
- Pressure to succeed in competitive exams like NEET, JEE, or board exams
- Fear of failure or disappointing family
- Bullying, social isolation, or lack of peer support
- Limited access to mental health care in schools and colleges
- Inability to cope with stress, anxiety, or rejection
Each year, thousands of students in India die by suicide. These are not just numbers—they are young dreams cut short, and each one is preventable.
Why Awareness Matters
- Talking saves lives. Checking in with someone can be a turning point.
- Suicide is not a choice—it’s a response to intense suffering.
- Mental health must be prioritized, not ignored or dismissed.
- Early intervention, counseling, and open discussions can reduce risk and provide hope.
Initiatives in Odisha: “Jeevan Zindabaad”
Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Odisha government has launched a statewide suicide prevention campaign titled “Jeevan Zindabad.” This initiative aims to:
- Create widespread public awareness
- Promote mental health education
- Provide support systems and helplines
- Offer guidance for students, parents, and teachers
- Encourage people to choose life over silence
The campaign emphasizes that suicide is not a solution—it is a result of emotional and psychological pain that can be addressed with support.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a professional to save a life. Here’s what you can do:
- Be kind and listen without judgment
- Notice warning signs like withdrawal, sadness, or sudden mood changes
- Encourage professional help and therapy
- Support mental health programs in schools and colleges
- Share helpline numbers and information about counseling services
- Talk about mental health—especially with young people
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that behind every statistic is a human story that could have had a different ending—with the right support, at the right time.
Let’s commit to:
- Listening with empathy
- Speaking without judgment
- Acting with courage
Because no one should feel so alone or hopeless that suicide feels like the only way out.
You are not alone. Help is available. Life is worth living. Let’s work together to keep hope alive.