Changing the narrative on suicide
By Chloe Hall
September 10th each year marks World Suicide Prevention Day, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The general goal of this year’s themed day is to raise awareness that suicide is preventable. It affords an ongoing opportunity to radically change perceptions. Across the globe many communities still react to suicide with an outlook cloaked in silence. In twenty three countries attempting suicide remains illegal, punishable by imprisonment. This generates and perpetuates stigma and a sense of humiliation. Consequently organisers of this year’s themed day are promoting narrative change to encourage a supportive, empathetic and open approach to discussions and policies about suicide.
Political change
Research is vital to achieve a better understanding of the causes of suicide. Moreover, policies from central and local government need to prioritise mental wellbeing, with the aim of continuing to improve care provision and access to it.
What about individuals?
Narrative change means encouraging sensitivity and empathy for all people who are struggling with their mental health.
Headline statistics
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirms that in 2023, across England and Wales, there were 6069 registered cases of suicide. Put that another way, it means on average seventeen deaths every day. That’s the highest rate for a quarter of a century. It is a sobering fact that for men under the age of 50, suicide is the leading cause of death.
Across the globe more than one percent of deaths are from suicide. That equates to over 700,000 lives. The rate of deaths from suicide is twice as high for men than women, and almost 60% of deaths from suicide happen to people under the age of fifty. Additionally, people who experience depression are twenty times more likely to die from suicide.
What should people say or do if they suspect someone is thinking about suicide?
Sometimes it is difficult to know the best thing to say or do. Experts advise that there is no one size fits formula to use. Suicide survivors often say they were not hoping to receive specific advice or information. Many were hoping that somebody would simply take the time to listen and show them genuine empathy, in a non-judgemental way.
Conclusion
This year’s suicide prevention day aims to shape fresh discussions to continue to break down barriers. Talking about suicide does not make it more likely, it is not a trigger. Experts agree that people can make a big difference by checking in with anyone they feel concerned about, a friend, colleague, neighbour, or relative. They could simply ask them how they are and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. By doing so the narrative on suicide can change significantly and certainly for the better.
Posted on: 9th September 2025
