World Suicide Prevention Day: A Guide to Understanding and Preventing Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day, marked on 10th September, is a day of reflection, awareness, and action, reminding us that suicide is not just a statistic, but a human tragedy that touches families, friends, and communities.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide. In the UK alone, three-quarters of suicide deaths are men (ONS, 2024). Behind every number is a story of struggle, but also the possibility of hope, healing, and prevention.

This guide explores what we often get wrong about suicide, how to recognise warning signs, and most importantly, how each of us can play a role in breaking the silence.

Why Talking About Suicide Matters

For too long, suicide has been shrouded in stigma and fear. Many believe that speaking the word out loud could somehow make things worse. In reality, the opposite is true: talking about suicide saves lives.

Open, compassionate conversations give people permission to express feelings they may have been carrying in silence. They help reduce shame and show that seeking support is not a weakness, but an act of courage.

Suicide is not about a lack of strength. It is often about overwhelming pain, isolation, or a sense of hopelessness. When we open the door to honest conversations, we create space for hope to re-enter.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Every person’s journey is unique, but there are often clues that someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts. These may be subtle or dramatic, but they should never be ignored.

Emotional signs:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness.
• Feeling like a burden or expressing guilt/shame.
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Behavioural signs:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social situations.
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.
• Risk-taking behaviours (driving recklessly, substance misuse).
• Sudden calmness after a period of distress (which may indicate a decision to act).

Verbal cues:

• Talking about death, saying life has no meaning.
• Statements like: “I can’t do this anymore,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”

Physical changes:

• Changes in sleep or appetite.
• Noticeable drop in energy or self-care.

Recognising these signs doesn’t mean you have to diagnose or fix everything. It means you have an opportunity to reach out and offer support.

Risk and Protective Factors

Understanding what makes people vulnerable to suicide and what protects them is key to prevention.

Risk factors may include:

• Previous suicide attempts.
• Mental health difficulties such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.
• Trauma or abuse.
• Chronic pain or physical illness.
• Financial stress, unemployment, or redundancy.
• Isolation and lack of support.

Protective factors can buffer against risk:

• Strong social connections.
• Access to timely mental health care.
• Sense of belonging, identity, or purpose.
• Coping skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Beliefs or values that promote life.

It’s important to remember that protective factors don’t cancel out risk. They simply help tilt the balance toward resilience. That’s why fostering connection and support in communities is so critical.

The Power of Connection

At the heart of suicide prevention is connection. Humans are wired for belonging. When we feel unseen or isolated, our risk increases. When we feel cared for, supported, and understood, our resilience grows.

That means suicide prevention is not just the work of professionals. It’s something we can all contribute to, simply by:

• Checking in on friends and loved ones.
• Listening without judgement.
• Sharing our own struggles honestly to reduce stigma.
• Reminding people they are not alone.

Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness, a message, a cup of tea, a gentle question, can interrupt the cycle of despair.

Coping When You’re the One Struggling

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please know this: you do not have to face this alone. Your pain is real. Your feelings matter. And reaching out for support is a step toward healing, not a sign of weakness.

Steps you can take right now:

• Talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or mentor.
• Call a crisis helpline (NHS 111 or Samaritans UK: 116 123; or check your local number).
• Ground yourself with simple strategies (deep breathing, naming things around you, holding something soothing).
• Make a safety plan. Write down reasons to live, supportive contacts, and coping strategies for moments of crisis.

Remember: suicidal thoughts do not have to become actions. Many people have been where you are and have found their way forward. Hope and healing are possible.

Hope is Real

Suicide is complex, but it is not inevitable. You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to be willing to listen, to care, and to remind someone that their life has value. By breaking the silence, recognising warning signs, and reaching out with care, we can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• UK: Call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123
•  Elsewhere: Please check your local crisis line.

Email us at info@nnpsychology.co.uk or call 07341 193858 to learn how I can support you or a loved one on the journey toward understanding, growth, and better mental health.

The world is better with you in it.

Reference:

1. Office for National Statistics. (2024). Suicides in England and Wales: 2023 registrations. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2023