TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE

Let’s cut through the awkwardness. Suicide is real, it’s happening, and we need to talk about it. But here’s the thing – suicide is not inevitable. It’s preventable. And talking about it can save lives.

The facts:

• 125 people die by suicide every week in the UK.

• 3 in 4 of them are men.

• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 – more than cancer, more than road accidents. It’s also the biggest killer of young people.

• But it’s not just men. Suicide affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
  
  

Those are the hard stats. But here’s the hopeful bit: suicide is preventable and we all have a role to play

Ready? Let’s do this

If you’re struggling yourself

We get it. Life can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through this alone.

You might feel like there’s no way out – but there is. Things can get better. And there are people who will help you get there.

Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or next week – when you’re ready to talk, CALM is here. No judgement. No pressure. Just people who get it. Check out our resources and our suicide prevention helpline.

If you're worried about someone, you can:

1. Notice changes. Changes in mood, withdrawal, saying things like “what’s the point?” or “you’d be better off without me”.
   
   

2. Start a real conversation. “I’ve noticed you’ve not been yourself – do you want to talk?”
   
   

3. Ask directly. “Are you thinking about suicide?” – It’s a myth that asking will make it worse. Often, it’s a relief.
   
   

4. If you don’t know what to say? Say that. Being honest and present matters more than saying the “perfect” thing.

5. Don’t deal with it alone. If you think someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, we have loads of resources resources for them, and our suicide prevention helpline is here for you the person who’s struggling.

If it’s a young person that you’re worried about, our CARE Kit is the thing for you. You’ll find practical suicide prevention for every situation.

Discussion Flow

1. Start Simple – Ease In (5 mins)

Start with something low-pressure to get people present and grounded:

• “What’s something that’s brought you a bit of peace lately?”

• “One word to describe how you’re arriving today?”

• “What’s something small you’re looking forward to?”
  These help people settle in without diving straight into the deep end.

2. Real Talk – Talking About Suicide (10–15 mins)

Use prompts that invite reflection and honesty:

• “Why do you think it’s so hard to talk about suicide?”

• “Have you ever wanted to ask someone about suicide but weren’t sure how?”

• “What would make it easier to talk about suicidal thoughts—your own or someone else’s?”

• “If someone told you they were feeling suicidal—how do you think you’d respond?”

• “Has suicide ever touched your life in some way?”

Follow-up prompts to deepen the space:

• “Can you relate to that?”

• “What helped—or what would have helped—in those moments?”

• “What’s something you wish more people knew about suicide?”

Note: People don’t have to disclose personal experiences. Talking around the topic is still powerful.

3. Looking Ahead – Compassion + Connection (5–10 mins)

End with a focus on support, self-care, and hope:

• “What’s one thing you want to remember from today’s chat?”

• “What helps you feel safe or grounded when things feel heavy?”

• “What would make it easier to talk about suicide going forward?”

• “What’s something you could offer—to yourself or someone else—this week?”

Let people speak out loud or reflect quietly. Keep it gentle and pressure-free.