World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day happens on 10th September each year to raise awareness about suicide and promote actions that can help prevent it.
You are not alone. If you are feeling suicidal, help is available
Samaritans (116 123) is a 24-hour anonymous service available every day of the year. If you prefer not to speak on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) is a website and phone service for anyone experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
NHS 24 by dialling 111 if you feel you need to speak with a medical professional.
Content Warning: The following article discusses suicide and could be triggering.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) serves as a global platform to encourage understanding, reduce stigma and increase support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is a global issue that affects millions of people every year, leaving behind grieving families, friends and communities. In 2023, there were 792 probable deaths by suicide in Scotland – a 4% increase from the previous year. Suicide rates in Scotland have remained consistently higher than in other parts of the UK, underlining the importance of continued prevention, support and awareness efforts.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide and to show support for those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. It aims to bring attention to an issue becoming more pressing within our society. We need to encourage open conversations about mental health and raise awareness to reduce stigma. This way, we can shift from a culture of silence to one of openness, understanding and support.
start the conversation
We’re joining the worldwide campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day, by ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. As well as encouraging communities and society to talk more about suicide, this year’s theme also emphasises the need to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking. Changing the narrative starts with advocating for policies that increase access to care and support for those in need.
In Scotland on a policy level, Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022–2032 recognises the complex factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions. The strategy commits to inclusive, compassionate and evidence-informed approaches, developed alongside people with lived experience, to reduce suicide, tackle stigma and promote wellbeing across all communities in Scotland. Change Mental Health works in partnership as an outcome lead for this very strategy.
We also partner with other organisations on Scotland’s national campaign, Suicide Prevention Scotland. The campaign recently launched to have Scotland’s biggest ever conversation about suicide. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.
How you can get involved
Share information about World Suicide Prevention Day on social media, participate in community events or organise discussions to educate others about suicide prevention.
Equip yourself with knowledge about the signs of suicidal behaviour such as self-harm and depression and the ways to offer support. Share this information with your community to help others recognise when someone might need help.
You can find out more on the Suicide Prevention Scotland website.
If you know someone who may be struggling, reach out to them. A simple conversation can make a difference. Listen without judgement and encourage them to seek professional help. You can read more on the NHS inform website.
You and your workplace might consider doing a mental health awareness training session. Change Mental Health offers a variety of training courses suitable both for individuals and companies, including ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’.
How to help yourself
If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember that help is available. You don’t have to face this alone:
Talk to Someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional. Sharing your feelings can be a crucial step in getting the support you need.
Use Helplines: In Scotland, organisations like Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) and Samaritans (116 123) offer confidential, free support for those in distress. There are more helplines you can reach out to at top of this page.
Create a Safety Plan: Work with a professional to create a plan that includes strategies for staying safe, such as identifying triggers, coping mechanisms and emergency contacts. If you’re uncertain where to start, there are resources available to help you create a safety plan.
support
If you are in Highland and Argyll & Bute and have been affected by suicide, we run a Suicide Bereavement Support Service. It offers free and confidential emotional support, with a safe and empathetic space to help you navigate the many complex emotions felt after a suicide. Contact 0800 471 4768, email suicidebereavementsupport@nhs.scot or fill in the form on the Suicide Bereavement Support page.
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
