The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised serious concerns over suicide, calling it a global crisis that claims more than 700,000 lives every year. Suicide has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly among young people, with experts stressing the urgent need for awareness and preventive action.
Recent tragedies have highlighted the depth of the problem. In Pakistan, a heartbreaking case emerged when a young girl in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took her own life after receiving her matriculation exam results. The incident, reported here, underscores how academic pressure, social expectations, and lack of mental health support are contributing to rising cases.
WHO raises alarm as suicide claims over 700,000 lives annually
According to the WHO, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally. The organization estimates that one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds, while millions more attempt to take their own lives each year. The impact on families, communities, and economies is devastating.
Key concerns highlighted by WHO include:
- Youth vulnerability: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29 year-olds.
- Gender differences: While more women attempt suicide, men are more likely to die from it.
- Methods used: Access to pesticides, firearms, and certain medications has increased suicide rates.
- Mental health gaps: In many countries, mental health services remain underfunded and stigmatized.
WHO has urged governments to adopt national suicide prevention strategies, improve mental health support systems, and ensure better access to counseling and emergency services.
Experts believe that reducing access to means of suicide, improving media reporting, and promoting life skills in schools can significantly lower suicide rates. They also stress the role of community awareness, urging families to watch for warning signs such as withdrawal, mood swings, or talk of hopelessness.
The global health body insists that suicide is preventable with timely interventions. Expanding helplines, providing affordable therapy, and training healthcare workers in suicide prevention are seen as urgent steps.
In Pakistan and other developing countries, the challenge remains greater due to limited resources and the stigma attached to mental health issues. Advocacy groups are calling for better school counseling systems and stronger policies to protect vulnerable populations, especially the youth.
The WHO’s latest warning serves as a reminder that suicide is not only a health issue but a human tragedy that demands collective responsibility. The silence around mental health must be broken, and communities must come together to create a safer, more supportive environment for those at risk.
