As a counsellor, September always feels like an important reminder to focus on mental health. It’s Suicide Awareness Month—a time to talk openly about the impact of suicide, raise awareness, and work together to break the stigma that often surrounds mental health struggles. Suicide is a global issue, touching individuals and communities across the world. But one thing is universal: we need to talk about it. By starting these conversations, we create a space for those who are struggling to reach out and know they are not alone.
Why Talking About Suicide Matters
One of the biggest hurdles in preventing suicide is the silence around it. People often shy away from discussing it out of fear, discomfort, or the belief that talking about suicide might make things worse. In reality, avoiding the subject can leave those who are struggling feeling even more isolated. By talking about suicide, we help remove the stigma and let people know it’s okay to ask for help.
Awareness saves lives. By bringing mental health challenges into the open, we can show people that support is available and that there is no shame in seeking help.
The Far-Reaching Impact of Suicide
Suicide doesn’t only affect the individual—it leaves a deep and lasting impact on family, friends, and entire communities. For those left behind, the grief, confusion, and guilt can be overwhelming. This is why awareness and prevention are so important. Every time we talk about mental health or offer a listening ear, we create a small but significant step towards breaking the silence and helping those who are struggling.
Destigmatising Mental Health Struggles
The stigma surrounding mental health is still one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help. Many feel that they need to handle things on their own, often feeling shame or embarrassment about their struggles. But mental health challenges are common, and no one should feel ashamed for needing support. This Suicide Awareness Month, let’s work to normalise conversations around mental health, offering compassion and understanding rather than judgement.
When we talk about mental health openly, we encourage others to do the same. It helps to create a culture where it’s okay to ask for help, share your feelings, or even just say, “I’m struggling.”
How We Can Support Suicide Prevention
You don’t need to be a professional to make a difference. Sometimes, simply being there for someone can be enough. Here are a few ways we can all contribute to suicide prevention:
Start conversations: Ask someone how they’re really doing. Let them know you’re there to listen without judgement.
Recognise the signs: Learn about the warning signs of suicide, such as withdrawal from social activities, changes in mood, or expressing feelings of hopelessness.
Offer support: Help someone access mental health resources, whether that’s talking to a professional or connecting them with a support group.
Break the stigma: Speak openly about mental health in everyday conversations, helping to normalise these discussions.
UK and International Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reaching out for help can feel like a huge step, but it’s one worth taking. There are many support services available, both in the UK and internationally, to provide help and guidance:
UK Services:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK-wide) or email jo@samaritans.org for confidential support.
Mind: Provides information on mental health and offers local support services across the UK (mind.org.uk).
Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for a free, confidential text messaging service offering support in a crisis.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net for support, particularly aimed at men.
International Services:
International Suicide Prevention Helplines: Visit befrienders.org to find local helplines around the world.
Crisis Text Line (Global): Text HELLO to 741741 (available in the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland) to reach a trained crisis volunteer.
Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support in Australia.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): Call 1-800-273-8255 for 24/7 support in the United States.
Closing Thoughts
This Suicide Awareness Month let’s commit to breaking the silence around suicide. Whether you’re supporting someone else or looking for help yourself, remember that you don’t have to face things alone. Each conversation we have about mental health is a step towards creating a world where people feel understood and supported.
If you're struggling, reach out. Whether it’s to a counsellor, a friend, or one of the many support services available, you deserve to be heard. Together, we can make suicide prevention a priority and create a world where hope is always within reach.