Suicide - Let’s keep the conversation going….
September was Suicide Prevention Month, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about suicide. But as we enter October, there is a real need to keep these conversations going.
For those experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress, their experiences are not confined to a particular day, week or month. Suicide prevention therefore needs to extend beyond awareness campaigns. It involves creating environments in which people feel able to talk about how they are feeling, recognising when somebody may be struggling, and knowing how to respond when we are concerned.
The latest suicide statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2026 highlight the continuing importance of suicide awareness and prevention. The ONS reported that 5,728 suicides were registered in England during 2025, equivalent to a provisional age-standardised rate of 11.1 deaths per 100,000 people. This was the same overall rate as that recorded in 2024.
The most recent quarterly figures also continue to demonstrate a considerable difference between men and women. During the final quarter of 2025, the provisional suicide rate was 17.7 deaths per 100,000 males, compared with 5.5 deaths per 100,000 females. Furthermore, regional differences were also evident. During the final quarter of 2025, the Southwest recorded the highest provisional rate in England, at 15.7 deaths per 100,000 people, while London recorded the lowest, at 6.4 per 100,000.
These figures are not simply numbers. Behind every statistic is an individual, as well as families, friends, colleagues and communities who may be affected by their death.
Understanding suicidal thoughts
There is no single reason why somebody may experience suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is complex and may involve an interaction between psychological, social, interpersonal, environmental and situational factors. Experiences such as loss, relationship difficulties, financial pressures, trauma, isolation, physical or mental health difficulties and significant life changes may contribute to distress, but people's circumstances and experiences are individual.
For some people, suicidal thoughts may emerge during periods in which their psychological distress feels overwhelming, they feel hopeless about their circumstances, or they struggle to imagine that their situation could change. Importantly, experiencing suicidal thoughts does not look the same for everybody.
For some, thoughts may be brief or occasional. For others, they may become persistent or increasingly difficult to manage. This is one reason why we should avoid assumptions about what a suicidal person "looks like". Someone can appear to be functioning well while experiencing significant distress privately.
Would asking about suicide make things worse?
One concern that can prevent people from starting a conversation, is the fear that asking somebody about suicide could put the idea into their head, this is a misconception.
Alternatively talking openly about suicide does not cause somebody to become suicidal. Instead, asking directly can provide an opportunity for somebody to talk about thoughts or feelings they may have been frightened or reluctant to disclose.
We should therefore not be afraid of using the word suicide. If you are concerned about somebody, it is okay to ask directly:
“Are you having thoughts about suicide?”
You do not need to have all the answers before beginning the conversation.
Recognising when somebody might be struggling
There is no checklist that can reliably identify whether somebody is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Some people may display noticeable changes, while others may show very few outward signs.
However, possible changes can include:
becoming increasingly withdrawn or isolated;
expressing feelings of hopelessness or feeling trapped;
talking about feeling like a burden to other people;
noticeable changes in mood or behaviour;
struggling to cope with everyday responsibilities;
increased use of alcohol or drugs;
talking or writing about death or suicide;
giving away possessions or saying goodbye in ways that appear unusual.
These signs do not necessarily mean that somebody is suicidal, and somebody experiencing suicidal thoughts may show none of them. Sometimes the reason you become concerned may simply be that somebody does not seem like themselves. You do not need to wait until you are certain before checking in.
Starting a conversation
Talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable, particularly when we are frightened of saying the wrong thing, but a conversation does not have to begin perfectly.
It might begin with:
“I've noticed you don't seem yourself lately. How are you feeling?”
“I'm worried about you. Do you want to talk about what's been happening?”
And, if you are concerned that somebody may be suicidal:
“Are you having thoughts about suicide?”
If somebody tells you they are struggling, try to give them space to talk. Listen without judgement and resist the temptation to immediately provide solutions or tell them what they "should" do. Sometimes listening is an important first step.
If somebody tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously. Listen to what they are telling you and try not to minimise their feelings, even if you see their circumstances differently.
You do not need to be a psychologist or another mental health professional to listen compassionately. Equally, you should not feel that you have to manage the situation alone. Where appropriate, you might support the person to contact their GP, mental health team, crisis service or another person they trust. A safety plan may also help someone identify strategies for managing periods of crisis, sources of support and people or services they can contact.
If you believe somebody is in immediate danger, seek urgent professional or emergency assistance. Supporting somebody who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can also be emotionally difficult. It is important that those providing support consider their own wellbeing and seek help themselves where necessary.
Awareness cannot end with September
Awareness months can create opportunities to bring subjects that are sometimes difficult to discuss into public conversation, but awareness alone is not enough.
As September comes to an end, perhaps the most important message we can take forward is that conversations about suicide need to continue throughout the year.
Suicide prevention can involve challenging stigma;
It can involve noticing when somebody's behaviour changes
It can involve asking a difficult question
It can involve listening without judgement
It can involve making it easier for somebody to say, “I'm struggling” and know that they will be taken seriously.
Suicide Awareness Month may end. The conversation shouldn't. If you or somebody you know needs support, you do not need to wait until things reach crisis point before reaching out for help.
We can all be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud and if being that rainbow feels too much right now, remember: There is help out there. No one ever needs to be alone.
💛 Shout
For free, confidential 24/7 text support, text SHOUT to 85258.
💚 Samaritans
If you need a safe space to talk, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day.
Call 116 123 for free.
💜 PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
Provides confidential suicide-prevention support and advice for young people and those concerned about them.
💙 Mind
For information and support relating to mental health, call Mind's Infoline on 0300 123 3393 and help line on 0300 102 1234
🩷 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
Provides peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved by suicide.
🧡 Winston's Wish
Provides bereavement support and resources for children and young people.
💜 The Jordan Legacy CIC & Hector's House
Explore further suicide-prevention information, resources and support.
💛 Zero Suicide Alliance
Access free suicide-awareness and suicide-prevention training.
💙 ANDYSMANCLUB
Offers free peer-to-peer support groups for men across the UK.
💚 Suicide & Co
Provides support and resources for people navigating bereavement by suicide.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.
References
Office for National Statistics. (2025, October 3). Suicides in England and Wales: 1981 to 2024. Office for National Statistics
Samaritans. (n.d.). Latest suicide data. Samaritans – Latest suicide data
Samaritans. (n.d.). Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts. Samaritans – Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts
Samaritans. (n.d.). Myths about suicide. Samaritans – Myths about suicide
NHS England. (2025, April 4). Staying safe from suicide: Best practice guidance for safety assessment, formulation and management. NHS England – Staying safe from suicide
NHS England. (2026, September 11). Staying safe from suicide: Best practice guidance for safety assessment, formulation and management. NHS England
