Download document: Finding a way to say it - English
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Sometimes the hardest words to say are the most important.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to show everyone that talking about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts, doesn’t have to be scary.
A recent poll found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health.*
We want to change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life.
On #WSPD we’re sharing some top tips for how you can help make a change:
Suicidal thoughts can be complex, frightening and confusing. But they’re more common than many of us realise and 1 in 5 of us will experience them.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts might be going through a range of emotions, including feeling trapped, overwhelmed, like a burden, or hopeless.
Everyone copes and reacts in their own way, but there may be signs that someone is struggling to cope and having suicidal feelings.
Some signs to look out for include when someone is:
How to spot the signs that someone might be struggling to cope.
Maybe you have a friend or family member who is struggling to cope, and you don’t know how to support them. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that someone is acting differently and want to check if things are OK.
Let them know that you’re here for them and that if they’re going through a tough time, they can turn to Samaritans too.
Anyone in the UK and Ireland can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123. Our trained volunteers support people by phone, email, letter and face-to-face in some local branches. We also have a helpline for Welsh speakers.
If you’re worried about someone, reach out to them. Ask how they’re feeling and show that you care.
Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen without judgement. Ask how they’re doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?” Try not to jump in with your advice or opinions.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. People who have been suicidal have often said it is a relief to talk about thoughts they are experiencing. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help.
If you’re worried about someone, stay with them and just let them know you're there. Let them know that they can call Samaritans free, day or night. If you think it’s an emergency or they’ve tried to harm themselves – call 999 in the UK or 112 in Ireland.
And remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is here to support you too
Learn more about how to support someone who’s having suicidal thoughts.
1 in 5 of us will struggle with suicidal thoughts in our lifetime. But the stigma attached to suicide can prevent people from getting the support they need.
A poll* from Samaritans revealed that nearly three-quarters (71%) of UK adults are unaware just how many people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. And while 74% of people are comfortable talking with family and friends about mental health and wellbeing, only 45% are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts.
By highlighting how suicidal thoughts are more common than people might expect, and that talking about suicidal thoughts is helpful, we can help break the stigma surrounding the subject that often prevents people from opening up.
* Opinium survey conducted between 9-13th February 2024, with a nationally representative sample of 2,001 UK adults.
We know how hard it can be to find the right words to talk openly about how we’re feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference.
Download our 'Finding a way to say it' resource for tips on how to help someone open up.
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If you'd like to support World Suicide Prevention Day, please download the social media graphics below and share them alongside the suggested social media messages, or visit our toolkit for funders and partners.
I'm standing with @Samaritans this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay 💚
Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - it's time we change that.
Find out more about how you can be part of this change 👉 https://bit.ly/34sfcMK
I'm standing with @SamaritansCharity this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay 💚
Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - it's time we change that.
Find out more about how you can be part of this change 👉 https://bit.ly/34sfcMK
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Every year on 10 September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness about how we can work together to create a world where fewer people die by suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance for us all to come together, raise awareness, and take meaningful steps towards preventing suicide and supporting those who may be struggling to cope. We campaign with over 70 other suicide prevention and mental health groups under the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA).
Samaritans want to encourage open, honest conversations about suicidal feelings. Join us this World Suicide Prevention Day and together, we’ll find the words to speak about suicide.
Thank you for supporting us this World Suicide Prevention Day. We really appreciate it, not just today but all year round.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Social Media team - [email protected]