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World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and offering support for mental health struggles. Learn how you can help with Cayla Henri
9/6/20248 min read
World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of September is a moment to pause, reflect, and bring awareness to one of the most critical issues we face globally, mental health.
Mental health is one of the core values we stand for at Cayla Henri, and for me, it’s deeply personal.
Key lessons:
Why suicide prevention day matters
The hidden struggles of mental health
Seek help you are worth it
What you can do
Moving towards change
UK helplines
FAQs - World Suicide Prevention Day
blog / World suicide prevention day
Why Suicide Prevention Day Matters
We often think of mental health struggles as something distant, something that happens to “someone else.” But the truth is, it touches all of us.
Whether you’ve faced mental health challenges personally or know someone who has, you understand the importance of this conversation. Mental health isn’t something to be swept under the carpet, it’s something we all share and must prioritise, especially when silence only makes the problem worse.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people will be affected by a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Yet, many continue to struggle in silence, afraid to reach out for fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This stigma is one of the most dangerous barriers to healing.
The Hidden Struggles of Mental Health
Mental health issues often remain invisible. It’s easy for someone to put on a brave face, even when they’re deeply hurting inside. That’s why it’s so crucial to check in on the people around us, even if they seem "okay." Sometimes, the strongest people wear the thickest masks.
This day serves as a reminder to look beneath the surface. It’s a call to action to start conversations, to listen with empathy, and to support those who might not know how to ask for help. Sometimes, all it takes is one heartfelt conversation to make a world of difference.
Seek Help You Are Worth It
To anyone reading this who is battling with their mental health, please know that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. You are worth fighting for, even when it feels impossible. Life’s ups and downs can be overwhelming, but I promise you there is always a way through, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
For some, therapy, medication, or a support network can be the lifeline they need. Others may find relief in self reflection, mindfulness, or finding purpose in connection with others. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but what matters most is that you don’t have to go through it alone.
What You Can Do This World Suicide Prevention Day
If you’re looking for ways to make an impact, there are several steps you can take to foster empathy and support:
Start the Conversation: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues and talk about mental health openly. Sharing your own story can help others feel safe enough to share theirs.
Educate Yourself: Learn about common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Understanding is the first step toward breaking the stigma.
Offer Support: Sometimes, a listening ear is all someone needs. Offer your time and presence to those who might be struggling, and let them know you’re there.
Prioritise Your Own Well-being: Practice mindfulness, reach out for support when you need it, and take the time to nurture your mental health.
Get Involved: Whether by attending an event, joining an online discussion, or participating in a campaign, your voice can make a difference.
Moving Towards Change
We need environments where mental health is prioritised and seeking help is normalised. Whether it’s advocating for better mental health care access, promoting mental health resources in workplaces, or educating youth in schools, there is always more we can do to make the world a safer, more compassionate place for everyone.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s come together with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to making a difference. Every small act of kindness, every conversation, and every effort to reach out can change someone’s life.
You are not alone
UK Helplines
Here is a list of UK helplines for suicide prevention and support:
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123 (free 24/7)
Website: www.samaritans.org
Text: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for free confidential support via text.Email: jo@samaritans.org
Service: Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope. Available 24/7, their volunteers offer a safe place to talk without judgment.SHOUT
Phone: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 (free 24/7 text service)
Website: www.giveusashout.org
Service: SHOUT is a 24/7 free text messaging service for anyone in crisis, providing immediate support from trained volunteers.Papyrus HOPELINEUK (For Young People)
Phone: 0800 068 41 41 (Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm, Weekends & Bank Holidays: 2pm - 10pm)
Text: 07860 039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Service: PAPYRUS supports young people under 35 who are feeling suicidal, providing practical advice and support.CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - midnight, every day)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Webchat: Available via website during phone helpline hours
Service: CALM offers support for men who are feeling low or in crisis, aiming to reduce male suicide.Mind
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 6pm)
Text: 86463
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Service: Mind offers information, advice, and support for people experiencing mental health problems, including those with suicidal feelings.Childline (For Children and Young People)
Phone: 0800 1111 (24/7)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Service: Childline provides confidential support and advice for children and young people up to the age of 19, available 24/7.SOS Silence of Suicide
Phone: 0300 1020 505 (specific hours; check website for availability)
Website: www.sossilenceofsuicide.org
Service: SOS offers support to anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, providing emotional help and a non-judgmental listening ear.Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am - 10pm daily)
Website: www.switchboard.lgbt
Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt
Service: Switchboard provides a safe space for anyone from the LGBTQ+ community who needs to talk, offering support on a range of issues, including suicidal thoughts.NHS 111
Phone: 111 (for urgent but non-life-threatening situations)
Website: www.nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk
Service: The NHS provides 24/7 urgent mental health support through the 111 helpline, which can direct you to local crisis teams and services.The Mix (For Young People)
Phone: 0808 808 4994 (3pm - midnight daily)
Text: Text "THEMIX" to 85258 for crisis support
Website: www.themix.org.uk](https://www.themix.org.uk
Service: The Mix offers support for people under 25 on issues like mental health, including crisis support via phone or text.
These helplines are confidential and provide support for those who need someone to talk to in a time of crisis.
Frequently asked questions
What Is World Suicide Prevention Day Important?
Every year on September 10th, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day to bring attention to an issue that impacts so many people but isn’t always talked about openly "suicide". The goal is to raise awareness, break the stigma, and show that suicide is preventable.
Starting Conversations
One of the biggest reasons for this day is to get people talking. Suicide is often seen as a taboo topic, but by bringing it into the open, we can help people feel more comfortable seeking help. The more we talk about it, the more we can reduce the shame or fear that keeps people silent.
Taking Action
World Suicide Prevention Day encourages action, whether that’s learning how to support someone in crisis, advocating for better mental health care, or simply being there for a friend who’s struggling. Everyone can do something.
Remembering Those We’ve Lost
It’s also a day to remember the lives lost to suicide. By honoring their memory, we can reflect on the importance of supporting those still with us and ensure their struggles are not in vain.
Offering Hope
Most importantly, this day is about hope. It sends a clear message: suicide is preventable, and there is always help available. Whether through professional services or just reaching out to someone in need, together, we can make a difference.
World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us that every life matters, and that by taking even small steps, we can save lives and support those in need.
How do you change the conversation about suicide?
Changing the conversation about suicide is about creating an open, supportive, and compassionate environment where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles. Here are a few ways to do this:
Talk About It Openly: Don’t avoid the subject. Ask direct questions like “Are you thinking about suicide?” to show that it's okay to discuss. Being open can help break the stigma and encourage those struggling to seek help.
Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the facts, warning signs, and risk factors surrounding suicide is key. Awareness helps you respond better and reduce misconceptions like the idea that talking about suicide increases the risk.
Listen Without Judgment: Avoid phrases that blame or shame. Instead, listen empathetically and offer support without trying to "fix" the situation immediately. Encourage professional help when needed.
Promote Mental Health Resources: Advocate for better access to mental health care and suicide prevention services. Changing the conversation includes making it easier for people to get the help they need.
Support Those Affected: Be there for survivors and families. Offering non-judgmental support or simply being present can make a huge difference.
Ultimately, these small changes in how we talk about suicide can make a big impact in fostering a more supportive, empathetic world.
What is the theme for Suicide Prevention Day in 2024?
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", with a call to action: "Start the Conversation."
This theme, chosen by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), aims to shift how we talk about suicide from a place of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
The goal is to break down barriers, reduce misconceptions, and encourage individuals, communities, and governments to engage in conversations that can help prevent suicide.
By "changing the narrative," the focus is on fostering empathy and creating environments where people feel comfortable seeking help.
This theme also calls for systemic change, advocating for policies that prioritize mental health care and improve access to services for those in need.
Through conversations, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and create a supportive culture where everyone feels heard and valued.
What does changing the narrative on suicide mean?
Changing the narrative on suicide" means rethinking how we talk and feel about the issue.
Instead of avoiding conversations or viewing suicide as a taboo subject, it encourages people to speak openly and honestly about it.
The aim is to reduce stigma and help those struggling feel comfortable seeking help.
This shift involves replacing judgment or shame with empathy and understanding, recognizing that suicidal thoughts often stem from deep pain and not weakness.
It's means fostering a culture where mental health is prioritised, and people feel supported in asking for help without fear of criticism.
By changing the narrative, we create an environment where conversations about mental health and suicide can lead to prevention, support, and healing.
Where can I get help?
Use any of the organisations listed under UK Helplines above.
