Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide, and 1 in 4 people has experienced suicidal thoughts, according to Samaritans. With World Suicide Prevention Day taking place on 10th September 2025, Joseph Conway, a BACP-registered psychotherapist and mental health trainer at Vita Health Group, is urging the public to reach out to those who may be struggling. He emphasises that making contact and listening can be life-saving.
Conway recognises that stigma often prevents people from offering support. “Taking the time to make contact with, and listen to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, could help to save a life,” he says. He adds, “It can be incredibly scary to feel suicidal or have suicidal thoughts. It’s really important to understand that although suicidal thoughts are very real, they are not permanent. Like all thoughts and feelings, they will pass.”
Drawing on his experience in mental health care, Conway shares six practical ways to support someone who may be suicidal.
- Empathise and be open to listening. He suggests saying, “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand.” This approach encourages the person to share their feelings without fear of judgement.
- Listen without criticism. “Do not blame or criticise the person for how they are feeling,” Conway advises. Offering a non-judgemental ear helps them feel validated and less isolated.
- Repeat what they tell you. “Repeating the information they give you can help to ensure that firstly, you have understood them properly, and secondly, that they know you’re truly listening to them,” he explains. This shows attentiveness and builds trust.
- Reassure them they are not alone. He recommends saying, “I’m here with you right now.” Conway explains that simple reassurance can make a meaningful difference for someone who feels overwhelmed.
- Encourage small steps. Supporting someone to focus on manageable actions can ease pressure. “Support them to take things one step at a time. Even something as simple as helping them through the next hour can feel more manageable than focusing on the bigger picture,” he says.
- Guide them towards professional support. Conway reminds people, “There is always help available, whether through their GP, a counsellor, or a charity like Samaritans. And remember: confidentiality does not apply to suicide. Even if you’ve been sworn to secrecy, it’s always better to risk that relationship than to risk losing a life.”
If someone is in immediate crisis, Conway stresses the importance of acting quickly. “If someone you care about is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis and needs immediate attention, reach out to their GP out-of-hours service, or call the NHS on 111. If you fear for someone’s safety, guide them to A&E or dial 999.”
Several services are available for support. Samaritans offers free, 24-hour help at 116 123. SHOUT provides confidential crisis text support on 85258. Those dealing with anxiety or depression can also self-refer to NHS Talking Therapy services without a GP referral.
Vita Health Group, where Conway works, is a UK healthcare provider with more than 30 years of experience in physical and mental health services. With 15 years of practice, Conway helps individuals and groups manage stress, build resilience, and address mental health challenges.