Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day is held on 10th September every year. September is also the global month for suicide awareness.
Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.
In 2023 there were 7,055 deaths in the UK officially registered as suicide, equating to an average of 19 suicides a day. 6,069 of these registered suicides were in England and Wales, marking the highest suicide rate in England and Wales since 1999.
Half of all people who die by suicide may have major depressive disorder; having this or one of the other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder increases the risk of suicide 20-fold.
Someone who lost a loved one to suicide is referred to as a survivor of suicide loss. Someone who has survived a suicide attempt is referred to as an attempt survivor.
The role that gender plays as a risk factor for suicide has been studied extensively. While females, particularly those under the age of 25, show higher rates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour and suicidal thoughts, and attempt suicide more frequently than males do, males have a much higher rate of suicide.
Major risk factors for suicide include:
- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders.
The history of a prior suicide attempt is the best known predictor for future suicidal behaviours, including death by suicide. Approximately 8-10% of attempters will eventually die by suicide.
Suicidal ideation refers to the thoughts, fantasies, or contemplations about ending one's own life. It can range from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning and may be associated with various mental health disorders, life stressors, or other factors.
Most people who die by suicide have a mental health issue. It may be a depressive or substance abuse disorder. They may feel lonely, depressed, or isolated.
What is cluster suicide?
When a group of suicides or suicide attempts occur closer together in time, space, or both than would normally be expected in a community, the deaths are defined as a suicide cluster.
What is the difference between active and passive suicidality?
Someone with passive suicidal ideation may have a suicidal thought like, “I just don't want to wake up” or “I wish I could just disappear” whereas someone with active suicidal ideation, on the other hand, is actively thinking, planning, or preparing to end their own life.
What percent of suicides have warning signs?
Fifty to 75 percent of all suicide victims give some warning signs of their intentions in the week before.
There is a range of support and resources available to individuals who feel suicidal, and professionals or parents and friends. Some of these are below.
Samaritans
World Suicide Prevention Day | Campaigns | Samaritans
Samaritans youtube marines video World Suicide Prevention Day
International Association for Suicide Prevention
WSPD - IASP
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan. It includes video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process.
Free listening services
These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
- You can even write a letter by hand and post it to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS if it is too upsetting to talk or you just don’t have IT. It does not matter if your spelling or writing are not very good – you won’t be judged.
- Call 0800 585 858 to talk to Calm (if you're 15 years old or over) or use CALM webchat, both available from 5pm to midnight every day
If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.
Other options are:
Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 here for you 24/7
Shout: the UK's free, confidential and 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support | Shout 85258
Talking therapies involve talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The types of talking therapy recommended if you self-harm include Cognitive behavioural therapy, and (CBT) Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
Further information and resources for professionals including free online training:
Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA)
PAPYRUS HOPELine UK: for children and young people under the age of 35
This is a professionally staffed helpline providing support, practical advice and information to young people worried about themselves, and to anyone concerned that a young person may harm themselves. Tel: 0800 068 41 41.