Worldwide, one person dies every 40 seconds from suicide, which means that nearly 800 000 lives are lost every year. This figure places suicide as the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.
Suicides are preventable and much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community and national levels.
For this reason, WHO, in collaboration with global partners, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and United for Global Mental Health, launched the 40 seconds of action campaign.
For the campaign, we are asking people to prepare to take “40 seconds of action” on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, to reduce the stigma associated with suicide, help share information on action that we can all take to prevent suicide, and let people who are struggling know they are not alone. Here are some more ideas:
- If you are struggling, take 40 seconds to kickstart a conversation with someone you trust about how you are feeling.
- If you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, take 40 seconds to start a conversation and ask them how they are doing.
- If you work in media, highlight the 40-second statistic in interviews, articles and blogposts.
- If you work in the arts or on digital platforms, interrupt your production or broadcast to transmit a 40-second message about mental health or preventing suicide.
- If you are an employer or manager, take 40 seconds to formulate a positive message of support to your employees about resources available to them in the workplace or local community in times of mental distress.
- If you want your leaders to hear your request for action, record a 40-second audio clip or video telling them the action you want them to take on suicide prevention and mental health.
- If you have a platform for communicating with a large audience (social media, television, radio), provide 40-second slots for sharing mental health stories and messages.
- If you hold political office, communicate publicly about action you are taking to promote mental health and prevent suicide, highlighting the 40-second statistic.
Everyone can take part in whichever way makes most sense. Your activity may be private, for example, initiating a conversation with someone you are worried about or sharing a message of hope with someone who is struggling; or it may be public, for example posting a video message for local or national authorities about action you would like them to take on this issue.
Share your messages, photos, illustrations and videos that are not of a private nature on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #40seconds. Include #WorldMentalHealthDay in your posts too.
WHO remains committed to supporting member states to strengthen suicide prevention and to enhance mental health and wellbeing of all.