World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Today we come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for anyone affected by suicide.

A moment of remembrance

On this day, we also remember those we’ve lost. Many people choose to light a safe battery-powered candle at home as a symbol of love, hope, and connection.
It’s a gentle way to honour their memory and show that they are never forgotten.

Signs someone may be feeling suicidal

People who are thinking about suicide often show signs that life feels overwhelming. These may include:

• • Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy

  • Big changes in mood, sleep, or behaviour — including risk-taking or sudden personality shifts

  • Speaking about wanting to die, or making “just in case” preparations.  Giving away personal possessions

  • Searching online for suicide methods (the internet can be helpful, but also harmful when misused)

  • Disturbed sleep — either difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

  • Experiencing a recent trauma or crisis, or showing a sudden sense of calm after distress

  • Self-harm (important to note: self-harm is often a way of coping, not the same as a suicide attempt)

Not everyone will show all these signs, but if you notice a few together, it’s important to reach out.

If you notice these signs, trust your instincts – it’s always better to check in.

How to approach the conversation

Talking about suicide can feel daunting, but gentle honesty helps. You might say:

• “I’ve noticed you seem down lately — do you want to talk about it?”

• “Sometimes when people feel overwhelmed, they think about suicide. Is that something you’re going through?”

Listen without judgement, stay calm, and let them know you care.

To close the conversation safely, you could say:

• “I really appreciate you trusting me with this — let’s think together about who else can support you.”

• “You’re not alone in this, and help is out there.”

You don’t need all the answers — just being there matters.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

View or print or PDF of local support

• Samaritans (UK) – 116 123 (free, 24/7)

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141 (for under-35s)

• Or visit your GP or local A&E if you’re in immediate crisis.

What is the impact on those we leave behind?

People who are experiencing thoughts of suicide often have the belief that others would be better off without them, or that they are a burden on their lives. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Olivia (someone previously supported by Richmond Fellowship) explains her experience from losing someone to suicide.

“Fortunately, I am still here to tell the tale, unfortunately others aren’t. In 2005 I sadly lost my uncle to suicide. I remember being surrounded by intense sadness form everyone.

He was 21 years old, that is no age to die. I was only nine years old when it happened, but even then, I blamed myself.

 Realistically though, what could a nine-year-old of done to prevent such a thing?  I carried a lot of guilt around with me and still do to this day, constantly asking questions of how things could have been so different.

As I was only a child, my family went to massive efforts to protect e from the truth but as I got older, I learnt what the cause of my uncle’s death was.

It was suicide.

I remember his funeral well, masses of people turned up, they filled the church as well as outside. If only he had known how many people loved him. 

Often people say to me ‘he must have had a mental health condition’, but he wasn’t diagnosed with anything of the sort. Had he of been, the death would have probably been a little easier to deal with, but it was unexpected and a shock to us all.

I watched this destroy my family, as much as it destroyed me.
I had my first psychiatric admission when I was a teenager, following repeated suicidal attempts and, 13 years later, I am still in services but I must stress that I am in the later stages of my mental health recovery.  I have worked with many professionals, who have helped me work through the suicide of my uncle.

The hard work I have put in, as well as the input I have had from professionals, have allowed me progress in life.

Seventeen years later, I am still grieving the loss of him. I don’t think I will ever get over what happened, I suppose I have just learnt ways in which to manage and cope with it better.

With regards to my family, 90% of them have been on long term antidepressants.
Yearly, on both his birthday and his anniversary of death, people gather and raise a glass for him. My uncle’s legacy remains.

He may be gone from this world, but he will always have a place in my heart: Gone but never forgotten.

I wanted to give you a little story about my experiences because suicide doesn’t stop at the loss of a life, it spreads to loved ones and a wider community.

Not only that, I want to reassure those that are feeling suicidal, that the world will be a lonely place without them and that they are cherished by all.”

Olivia