This Might Be the Most Important Post You Read Today!

It’s a difficult word to say out loud. Even harder when it’s someone you know.

Suicide.

Most of us will have either personally experienced suicide in our lives or know someone that has, and it affects 1 in 17 of us.

Suicide is still one of the leading causes of death—especially among men.

And the truth is, too many people suffer in silence because they don’t want to burden others, or feel like no one will understand.

This post isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about starting the conversation.

We must start the conversation.

We must make this subject less taboo and normal to be aware of.

👉 Here are a few signs that someone might be struggling:

• Withdrawing from friends, family or usual activities

• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or being a burden

• Changes in sleep, eating, or behaviour

• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye

• A sudden lift in mood after a long period of sadness (this can sometimes be a sign that they’ve made a decision)

🛠️ What can you do?

• Reach out. Ask how they are – and listen, without judgement.

• Don’t shy away from asking directly: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

• Stay with them, encourage them to get support – whether that’s a GP, therapist, or helpline.

• Follow up. Check in. Let them know you’re still there

The Numbers

• 7055 suicides were registered in the UK in 2023. This is nearly a 10% increase on 2022

• Men accounted for nearly 75% of these deaths, 5292 of these deaths

• Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK.

• The North West of England reported the highest regional suicide rate at 14.7 per 100,000 people.

• People with neurodiversity are much more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

• LGBTQ+ adults in England are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts.

💬 If you’re struggling, or someone you love is – please know: You are not alone. There is always hope, and always help.

☎️ UK Helplines for Suicide and Mental Health Support

1. Samaritans – 📞 116 123 Free, 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress or feeling suicidal. You don’t have to be in crisis to call.

2. Shout – 📱 Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 Free, 24/7 text support for anyone in the UK struggling to cope. Ideal for those who prefer not to talk.

3. Mind – 📞 0300 123 3393 Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Offers advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

4. Papyrus HOPELINE247 (for under 35s) – 📞 0800 068 41 41 Text: 07860 039967 Specialist support for young people having suicidal thoughts, and for those worried about someone else.

5. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 📞 0800 58 58 58 Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Focused on supporting men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s look out for each other. And let’s normalise asking real questions.

#MentalHealthToolbox #SuicideAwareness #ItsOkayToTalk #MentalHealthMatters #CheckInOnYourFriends #MensMentalHealth