In the UK, one in five 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.
Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.
According to a poll* from Samaritans, 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.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide"**. It’s about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
Rooftop Housing Group supports World Suicide Prevention Day, hoping we can break the stigma. We encourage everyone to start the conversation, no matter how small, on suicide and suicide prevention.
Here are some tips for how you can help make a change:
What can you do
- Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone’s struggling to cope.
- Speak up to let someone know that there is support available.
- Play your part by reaching out to anyone you’re concerned about.
- Ditch the stigma – suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know – so let’s talk about it!
If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts and would like help, please contact:
Samaritans : https://www.samaritans.org/
Mental Health UK : https://mentalhealth-uk.org/
* Opinium survey conducted between 9-13th February 2024, with a nationally representative sample of 2,001 UK adults.
**Source: https://www.iasp.info/wspd/
