World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Today, Wednesday the 10^th of September 2025, is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Each year, we come together across the world to raise awareness about suicide, encouraging difficult conversations in the hopes of breaking stigmas and raising awareness towards suicide prevention.

This can be a complicated topic for many people,but at the same time, it is so important that we talk about it. Through this, we can support people experiencing suicidal thoughts and work towards getting them the help that they deserve.

Understanding Suicide

This is the act of intentionally taking your own life and usually involves having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can even involve thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life. These thoughts and feelings can be a very scary, difficult experience for someone to go through.

Mind Statistics show that over the course of someone’s lifetime:

-          1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts.

-          1 in 14 people self-harm

-          1 in 15 people attempt suicide.

Experiencing these suicidal thoughts can feel frightening and isolating, and it so important that anyone can experience this regardless of their background. Here are some common contributing factors as to why someone may feel this way…

• Isolation or loneliness

• Stigmas or discrimination

• Life changes

• Endings of relationship,s whether that be familial, romantic or friendships

• Trauma or unresolved past experiences

• Financial/employment problems

These are just a few examples, and we do understand that everyone’s experiences can be unique.

So what we can we do

A big part in working towards suicide prevention is recognising the signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Whilst not everyone will show the same behaviours, you may notice them:

• Giving away personal possessions

• Neglecting personal care

• Changes in eating habits

• Self-harm

• Difficulty making plans for the future

• Expressions of negativity towards themselves or a general sense of hopelessness.

If you notice someone showing signs of this behaviour, it might be worth checking in with them in a safe, judgement-free environment.

If someone opens up to you, your response could be vital in supporting them through what they are experiencing. You can help by…

• Making sure to acknowledge their feelings. This shows that you are listening to what they are saying and not dismissing it.

• Try to encourage them to talk more through open questions. Avoiding yes/no questions.

• Encourage professional support

• Reassure them that they are not alone.

• Stay with them until help or next steps are arranged.

  
  

It is so important to remember to approach with empathy and not judgment.

There is support available

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please remember there is help available…\    

Get Help Now | Burton & District MindSafe Haven Crisis Café – open 7 days a week

Email: info@burtonmind.co.uk

Call: 01283 566696