Today, Sept 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day, organized by the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

This year the theme of the World Suicide Prevention Day is “Suicide Prevention in Different Cultures.” IASP president Brian Mishara explains “More than a million people worldwide die by suicide each year. More people kill themselves than die in all wars, terrorist activities and homicides. Many millions more make suicide attempt severe enough to need medical treatment, and over six million people are affected each year by the disastrous impact of the suicide of a close one friend or family member.”

Today at UN Headquarters in New York IASP and WHO representatives announced current statistics on suicide worldwide and suicide prevention. Additionally people all over the world have organized local suicide prevention activities.

IASP is encouraging people to light a candle tonight at 8pm in support of World Suicide Prevention Day, suicide prevention and awareness, survivors of suicide and for the memory of lost loved ones.