Suicide is a serious global public health problem that requires the attention of all sectors of society; however, suicide prevention is by no means an easy task. Current research suggests that suicide prevention, while feasible, usually requires a complete range of measures, including the best possible developmental conditions for children and young people, timely and accurate assessment and effective treatment of mental disorders, and control of risk factors in the living environment.

In 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a worldwide initiative on suicide prevention. This second revised edition of the manual is one of a series of professional suicide intervention materials designed to provide theoretical guidance to social and professional groups involved in suicide prevention efforts. The revised second edition of the manual, still published jointly by WHO and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), is available for use by individuals and groups, including health professionals, educators, social agencies, governments, legislators, media workers, law enforcement, families, and communities.