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His warning came one day before World Mental Health Day on October 10. Pūras said emotional pain frequently comes from being a victim of violence, discrimination, or exclusion. Targeting the brain chemistry of individuals often exacerbates stigma and social exclusion, aggravates loneliness and helplessness and fails to reduce the risk of suicide.

He underscored the need to pursue new methods of suicide prevention that invest in fortifying healthy, respectful, and trusting relationships and connecting people with communities.

UN Secretary General António Guterres said mental health has been neglected for too long. Every 40 seconds a person dies by suicide, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death among people 15 to 29. Guterres called for urgent action,  greater investments in mental health services, and elimination of the stigma that pushes people away from the assistance they need.