World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September)

World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September): Changing the Narrative in Our Community

 

Content note: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support in Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467. LifelineSuicide Prevention Australia

Every year on 10 September, people around the world come together for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD)—a moment to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and take practical action. The global theme for 2024–2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” encouraging open, compassionate conversations and tackling myths that stop people from seeking help. World Health OrganizationIASP

 

Why this day matters in Australia

Behind every statistic are people—families, friends, teammates, and colleagues. In 2023, 3,214 Australians died by suicide, an age-standardised rate of 11.8 per 100,000 (with men accounting for around three-quarters of deaths). While complex factors contribute, we know that connection, timely support, and reducing access to lethal means save lives. Mindframe

There are also signs of progress worth building on. Recent national surveying suggests fewer Australians—especially men—reported suicidal thoughts compared with previous years, alongside an encouraging rise in help-seeking. Yet deaths remain stubbornly high, reminding us that sustained, practical prevention efforts are essential. The Australian

“Changing the narrative” starts with the words we choose

Language can either isolate people or bring them closer to help. Australia’s Mindframe guidelines recommend using person-centred, non-sensational language, avoiding explicit descriptions of methods, and always including help-seeking information. These practices are proven to reduce harm and encourage support-seeking. MindframeSuicide Prevention Australia

Safer ways to talk about suicide:

• Say “died by suicide” rather than terms that carry blame or stigma.
• Focus on feelings and help, not graphic details or speculation about “why.”
• Share support services and encourage professional help.

 

Spotting warning signs (and what to do)

Warning signs can be subtle and vary from person to person. Common cues include:

• Talking about feeling hopeless, burdensome, or having no reason to live
• Withdrawing from people or usual activities
• Noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or substance use
• Saying goodbye, giving away possessions, or researching means

If you notice one or more of these signs, you don’t need perfect words—you just need a caring, non-judgmental approach. (For guidance on safe conversations, see Mindframe’s communication resources.) Mindframe

 

A simple 4-step approach you can use:

1. Ask directly and calmly: “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed lately. Are you thinking about suicide?”
2. Listen with empathy: give time, avoid rushing to fix, and validate their pain.
3. Connect to support: encourage contacting Lifeline (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), a GP, or a mental health professional. Offer to sit with them while they call. LifelineSuicide Prevention Australia 
4. Follow up: check in again soon; ongoing connection matters.

If there’s immediate risk, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.

 

What actually helps—evidence-informed actions

• Keep the conversation going. Honest, stigma-free conversations reduce isolation and can interrupt a crisis. That’s the heart of this year’s WSPD theme. World Health OrganizationIASP
• Reduce access to lethal means when safe and appropriate (for example, safe medication storage). This is a proven public-health strategy. (General guidance aligns with WHO/Mindframe prevention principles.) World Health OrganizationMindframe
• Encourage early help-seeking. Many people reach crisis after accumulating stressors (relationship strain, financial pressure, isolation). Early support can change the trajectory. Courier Mail
• Look after the supporters. Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally demanding—seek supervision, peer support, or professional advice when you need it.

 

How workplaces and community groups can take action

• Share help lines on staff intranet, noticeboards, email signatures, and team chats. Include Lifeline 13 11 14 and Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
• Adopt safe-messaging guidelines (Mindframe) for internal newsletters and social posts. Mindframe
• Offer training (e.g., gatekeeper or mental-health first-aid) so more people feel confident to have supportive conversations. (See WHO/IASP campaign resources and Australian programs referenced above.) World Health OrganizationSuicide Prevention Australia
• Build a culture of care: normalise mental-health days, flexible work, and regular check-ins—especially during periods of high stress.

 

Our commitment at Psychology Consultants

At Psychology Consultants, we stand with our community this World Suicide Prevention Day, Wednesday 10 September 2025, and every day. Our clinicians provide evidence-based care for suicidal distress, depression, anxiety, trauma, and related concerns. If this article has raised questions for you—or you’re worried about someone close to you—please reach out. Early support can be lifesaving.