WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

Suicide is a very serious issue in Namibia. Well-known psychologist Shaun Whittaker has done research on suicide issues in Namibia and claims: "Namibia has one of the highest rates of suicide in the world. I've also found that the two main groups affected by suicide are teenagers and young adults ..."

Statistically figures show an annual increase of 12 percent. In 2011 an overwhelming total of 489 Namibians committed suicide. In 2010 the number of people who took their own lives was 432.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world.The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health, to host World Suicide Prevention Day.

As of 2011, an estimated one million people per year die by suicide or "a death every 40 seconds or about 3,000 every day.  According to WHO there are twenty people who have a failed suicide attempt for every one that is successful, at a rate approximately one every three seconds.  

Suicide is the "most common cause of death for people aged 15 – 24." More people die from suicide than from murder and war; it is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO, suicide accounts for nearly half of all violent deaths in the world. Brian Mishara, IASP president, noted that, "more people kill themselves than die in all wars, terrorist acts and interpersonal violence combined."The number of people who die by suicide is expected to reach 1.5 million per year by 2020.

• Pray that young and old will realize their own value in the eyes of God, family and friends. 
• Pray for teachers, family and friends to be aware of what is going on in the lives of those around them.
• Trust God that people will realize the importance of relationships,  invest time and find out how those they know are.
• Ask for a new spirit of prayer for those in need of tender loving care, encouragement and value.
• Trust God that we will all realize that: You cannot be replaced!

How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:12

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:24

Sources:

Namibia: Suicide - the Ultimate Paradox 
World Suicide Prevention Day
You cannot be replaced