September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.
8th September 2025
In 2023, over 7,000 deaths in the UK were registered as suicide. That is a startling statistic and makes suicide the 10th leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death in men under the age of 50 in the UK.
World suicide prevention day aims to lower the number of deaths by suicide every year by focusing on raising awareness of suicide, and encouraging strategies and actions to prevent suicide.
This year’s theme of ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, highlights the importance of starting a conversation about suicide.
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day
How do I know if someone is a risk?
It can be difficult to know if someone is at risk of suicide. The strongest predictive factor is a previous suicide attempt but there can be other signs such as withdrawing from friends and family, saying goodbye or talking about death and dying and giving away personal items or making a will. People who are at risk may start acting in a reckless way or engage in risky activities, they may also increase drug and alcohol abuse, say they feel hopeless and or be very angry and agitated.
Certain factors can increase someone’s risk of suicide. Factors like having a previous psychiatric diagnosis, recent loss both financial and personal, co-morbid health problems and drug and alcohol abuse. Young white unmarried males have a higher incidence of suicide than other population groups.
But there are many factors which protect people from suicide and these include positive social support from friends and family, a sense of spirituality, positive coping skills and positive therapeutic relationships.
By getting people to talk openly and honestly about how they are feeling and reducing the stigma that surrounds suicide, we can reduce suicide deaths in the UK.
We can all make a difference. So, if you are worried about yourself or someone you know being at risk of suicide, remember talking can make a difference.
If you or someone else is in danger, or you need emergency help call 999 or go to A&E now.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
Other places to get help:
Samaritans:
Hertfordshire Single Point of Access: 24/7 helpline 0800 6444 101
Or contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 for general information and support.