10 September 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the World Suicide Prevention Day. The main aim of this initiative, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), is to raise awareness among the scientific community and the general population that suicide is preventable. This year’s theme for the year is “Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope”. Public health awareness and education campaigns have often focused on the role of risk factors in the development of suicidal behaviour. In order to increase effectiveness in preventing suicide efforts will be directed not only towards reducing risk factors but also toward strengthening protective factors, with the aim of preventing vulnerability to suicide and strengthening people’s resilience.

More information on World Suicide Prevention Day can be found on the IASP website http://www.iasp.info/wspd/

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