Finding a way to say it: Sometimes the hardest words to say are the most important.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, Thursday 10th September 2026, we want to show everyone that talking about difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts, does not have to be scary.
A recent poll showed that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who feel comfortable talking about mental health. We want to change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life. On #WSPD we are sharing some top tips for how you can help make a change:
What Should People Do:
- Watch out for changes in behaviour that could mean someone is struggling to cope.
- Speak up to let someone know that there is support available.
- Play your part by reaching out to anyone you are concerned about.
- Ditch the stigma – suicidal thoughts are far more common than most people know – so let us talk about it!
How to help someone open up. We know how hard it can be to find the right words to talk openly about how we are feeling. But when someone is dealing with difficult thoughts or worries, having someone there to listen can make all the difference.
Here are some tips to help you talk to someone you are worried about:
- Choose a safe, quiet space, give the other person your full attention and put away your phone.
- Ask how they are doing, using open questions that need more than a yes or no answer, such as “How do you feel?” or “What’s that like for you?”
- Listen without judgement and try not to jump straight in with your advice or opinions.
- Do not be afraid to ask someone if they are having suicidal thoughts. It gives them permission to tell you how they feel.
- Let them know that there is always someone there to listen. They can call Samaritans free day or night on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for other ways to contact us.
- Remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is here to support you too.
Samaritans’ volunteers are always here to listen and will not judge or tell you what to do. Call free, day or night, on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org. Also, those contemplating volunteering with Samaritans of Dunfermline can find out more by visiting www.samaritans.org/dunfermline or @dunfermline sams (X formerly Twitter) or on Facebook.com/DunfermlineSamaritans
