World Suicide Prevention Day

10 September 2025 marks World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This year, the focus is on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages to ensure the campaign can reach and engage all communities around the world.

Family lawyer Linda Pope reflects on how we can unite to support people affected by suicidal thoughts.

Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide.  As family lawyers we see all too often the devastating and far-reaching impacts on their families, friends, workplaces, and communities, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, support, and systemic change.

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
• Seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries.
• The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

Practical suggestions for helping to interrupt suicidal thoughts

• Check-in: make regular phone calls or texts to show you care and check in on their well-being. Approach with kindness and compassion.
• Validation and understanding: encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that they are not alone. Listen without judgment.
• Provide resources: offer access to mental health resources, such as The Samaritans or support groups, to help them navigate their feelings.
• Stay calm and supportive: show that you can handle their emotions and provide a safe space for them to talk about their experiences. Let them know that you’re there if they want to talk.
• Encourage hope: remind them of their resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. Let them know that an emotion and a thought does not last forever and does not need to lead to an irreversible decision.

For more support in dealing with suicidal thoughts, please contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.