On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is reminding people that support is available for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm or concerns about a loved one.
Suicide remains a major public health issue, with 6,190 suicides registered in England and Wales, 704 probable suicides in Scotland and 290 suicides registered in Northern Ireland in 2024. Many people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts may not seek help for a range of reasons, including because they are worried about stigma, do not recognise the need for support or aren’t able to access appropriate services.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, RCPsych is launching two new information resources, Suicidal thoughts and Supporting someone in distress or with suicidal thoughts, which have been designed to help people who are struggling and those who are concerned about the health and wellbeing of someone they know.
The new resources provide practical advice on talking to someone in distress, accessing support and ways to stay safer during periods of crisis. They also challenge some of the common misconceptions about suicide, including that talking about suicide increases the risk of someone acting on their thoughts. It's vital that we can talk about suicide in a safe way and these resources will help people to do this. The guidance was developed with input from people with lived experience of suicidal thoughts as well as clinical experts.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts can benefit from correct and timely support, so it is vital they are aware of what help is available. RCPsych is encouraging anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or concerns about a loved one to seek support as early as possible.
Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“Every suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.
“World Suicide Prevention Day is an important reminder that support is available. One of the key messages from our new guidance is that people should not be afraid to talk about suicide. Compassionate conversations and early support can make a real difference.
“People who have a severe mental illness are at much greater risk of suicide than the wider population but too often don’t know where to go for help or face long waits for support. Reducing these inequalities and ensuring people can access timely, high-quality mental healthcare must be a priority if we are serious about preventing suicide and saving lives.”
Dr Alys Cole-King, lead author of the new RCPsych resources on suicidal thoughts and suicide support, said:
“Suicidal thoughts are more common than people realise, we just don’t talk about them often enough. There is still so much stigma and fear around admitting if you’re struggling or having suicidal thoughts that it can stop people from telling others or asking for help.
“These resources have been designed to help people experiencing suicidal thoughts as well as family members, friends and others who may be worried about someone they care about but not know how best to help them. They have been developed by people with lived experience alongside mental health professionals.
“The resources are intended to provide hope, compassion and practical advice for people who may not know where to turn for help. They include information about safety planning and other practical steps people can take to help keep themselves safe.
“It is never too late to take positive action if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, but the earlier someone seeks support, the easier it can be to address these thoughts. My hope is that these resources help people realise that they matter, that support is available and that people can and do get through difficult times.”
The College provides information for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, those supporting someone in crisis, and anyone looking for information about self-harm, suicide prevention and bereavement following suicide.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896