World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10th 2025

Every year on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the urgent and ongoing need to care for one another, to check in, to reach out, and to simply be human with each other. Suicide can often feel like a distant issue—something we read about in headlines—but it exists quietly, sometimes invisibly, in our homes, our workplaces, our friendship groups, and our communities.

This year, we’re asking: How can we all play our part?

Notice the signs – they’re often subtle, but real.

People who are struggling with their mental health don’t always say so out loud. Often, they can’t. Instead, we might notice:

• A change in mood: becoming more withdrawn, irritable, or unusually quiet.

• Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.

• A drop in performance at work or school.

• Increased use of substances like alcohol or drugs.

• Talking about feeling hopeless, being a burden, or expressing thoughts of "not being here."

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or personal hygiene.

• Cancelling plans repeatedly or avoiding social connection.

These signs don’t always mean someone is thinking of suicide—but they do mean someone could use a gentle check-in.

Small gestures matter more than you think.

You don’t need to be a professional. You don’t need perfect words. You just need to show up, in small ways:

Send a message to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

Ask twice – “How are you?” followed by “Really, how are you?”

Invite them for a walk, a coffee, or even just to sit with you.

Leave a note, a voice message, or a simple “I’m here if you ever want to talk.”

Listen without rushing to fix or offer advice.

These simple acts remind people that they are not alone. And sometimes, that reminder is lifesaving.

Why do we sometimes hold back from reaching out?

We all want to help—but many of us don’t know how. Some common reasons we hesitate:

“What if I say the wrong thing?” You don’t need the perfect words. Listening is enough.

“I’m not a therapist.” You don’t need to be. You’re a human, and that’s what matters most.

“I might make it worse.” Asking someone how they are and showing care does not increase risk—it opens a door to relief.

“What if I can’t fix it?” You’re not there to fix. You’re there to walk beside them.

“I don’t want to take on someone else’s burden.”

Holding space for someone doesn’t mean carrying their pain. It means offering a moment of relief from isolation.

If you’ve felt any of these things, you’re not alone. Most of us have. The good news is: you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference.

What really helps: the power of presence and Carl Rogers' 3 core conditions.

Psychologist Carl Rogers spoke about three essential ingredients for meaningful human connection. These aren’t lofty ideals—they're everyday actions that can change lives:

1. Genuineness (Be Real) Let go of the script. Speak honestly. Be yourself. When you show up as a real person, others feel safe to do the same.

2. Unconditional Positive Regard (No Judgment) Accept the person as they are—no fixing, no preaching. Just being there, without judgment, says: You matter, just as you are.

3. Empathy (Understand, Don’t Solve) Try to see the world through their eyes. You don’t need to agree or fully “get it”—just trying to understand can make someone feel profoundly seen.

These conditions don’t require training. They require humanity. And we all have that.

A final word

If there's one thing to remember today, let it be this:

"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."

-Theodore Isaac Rubin

In the face of someone’s silent suffering, your presence, your patience, your kindness—even in the smallest form—can be the thread that keeps them connected to life.

Let’s not wait for perfect timing or perfect words. Let’s act with simple kindness today.

If you'd like to get in touch with Suzanne Bailey, the Head of Mental Health at Akumen and author of this article, to learn how Akumen can support your organisation, you can email her at sbailey@akumen.co.uk.