World Suicide Prevention Day
10 September 2025 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. This year’s theme, as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
Changing the way we talk about suicide means looking at it differently. Instead of silence and a lack of understanding, we need openness and support. The goal of this year’s campaign is to encourage people to have honest conversations about suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Why do we need to talk about suicide?
For a long time, suicide has been a topic that people avoid talking about. It can feel scary, uncomfortable, or even inappropriate to bring up. There is a myth that talking about suicide can encourage it, but the truth is, it can actually prevent it. Talking openly about suicide is one of the best ways we can support each other and create change.
How do I start a conversation?
Don’t be shy to ask how someone’s feeling. Here are some tips to open the conversation:
- Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions.
- Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer.
- ‘How are things? I’ve noticed you don’t seem quite yourself.’
- Listen well. ‘How’s that making you feel?’
- Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong or what they should do.
Don’t give up. Sometimes people can be a bit hesitant, but it’s important to keep checking in with them. With time, it will feel normal to start conversations and to ask the people in your life how they’re really feeling.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have all the answers. You could encourage them to speak to a professional who can offer them help, such as their GP. Focus on the things you can do to help, such as offering to keep them company, going out for a walk, or spending some time together doing something they enjoy.
Services that can help
All of these services are free to contact. They offer advice and support without judgement to anyone struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts, or if you are worried about someone else:
- Samaritans: Free, confidential support 24/7. Call 116 123
- Papyrus: For children, teenagers, and young people up to 35 who are having thoughts of suicide, or anyone worried about a young person. Call 0800 0684141 or text 07860 039967
- Meic: A helpline for children and young people in Wales offering advice, information, and advocacy
- NHS: Call 999 if you or anyone else is in immediate danger of harming themselves, or call 111 and press option 2 to get mental health support
Talk to Meic
Free and confidential helpline for children and young people up to 25 in Wales. Help if you’re worried about something, have questions, or need information or advice. We can put you on the right track if you don’t know who to contact. We can even help you talk to others if you’re struggling. Call our helpline from 8am to midnight every single day: 080 880 23456 or chat to us online.
