Suicide Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Supporting Someone at Risk
According to Samaritans, 5,717 suicides were recorded in England and 436 in Wales in 2024. Both demonstrated an increase in deaths since 2023.
Suicide rates for men are higher than for women, particularly in men over 40. Knowing the potential triggers and signs that someone may be thinking about ending their life can help you identify the support they need.
This blog explores the risk and protective factors associated with suicide, signs to look out for, how to have a conversation about suicide and where to signpost someone for further support.
Risk factors that may increase the possibility of a suicide attempt
There are a number of factors that may increase a person’s risk of attempting suicide, including:
- Previous suicide attempt
- Substance misuse
- History of mental illnesses
- Serious illness, such as chronic pain
- Legal issues, financial difficulties or job loss
- Impulsiveness, aggressiveness or hopelessness
- Self-harm
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Isolation
- Poor access to health services
- Violent or extremely hostile relationships
- Discrimination
- Bullying
Protective factors that may reduce the risk of suicide attempts
Protective factors that may help reduce the risk of a suicide attempt include:
- A positive social network
- Access to counselling and healthcare
- Effective coping skills
- A spiritual or religious belief system
- Lack of access to resources which might facilitate an attempt to end one’s life
Suicide myths
There are a number of common misconceptions surrounding suicide. Understanding the facts can help us feel more confident when supporting someone who may be struggling.
| MYTH | FACT |
|---|---|
| Talking to someone about suicide increases the likelihood they will attempt to end their life. | Naming suicide and talking about it can help the person feel less isolated and access the right support. |
| If a person is serious about ending their life, there is nothing you can do. | Intervening at any time can save a person’s life. |
| People who end their life often don’t say anything. | Whether someone shares their thoughts or not is not an indicator of their likelihood. However, it is normal for colleagues, friends and family to question what they missed or why the person did not come to them. Always take a disclosure of suicide seriously. |
| You have to have a mental illness to have thoughts of suicide. | Fleeting thoughts of dying are considered a normal response to high levels of distress and can be an indicator that professional support is needed. |
Signs a person might be thinking about suicide
Someone who is thinking about suicide may display changes in their behaviour, language or wellbeing. Signs can include:
- Using phrases such as “I don’t want to be here anymore” or “People would be better off without me”
- Getting affairs in order, for example giving things away or selling property rapidly and unexpectedly
- Sharing feelings that their suffering is inescapable or irreversible
- Talking about ending their life or ways in which they might do this
- Unexpected social isolation
- Experiencing a distressing, life-changing event
- Sharing continuous feelings of worthlessness or self-hate
- Reduction in basic self-care
- Being unusually switched off to emotions
- Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
- Severely disrupted sleep patterns
Supporting someone who is thinking about suicide: See, Say, Signpost
The See, Say, Signpost approach can help you recognise the signs, start a conversation and help someone access appropriate support.
SEE
Become familiar with and notice the signs that someone may potentially be at risk of or thinking about suicide.
SAY
Open the conversation and normalise talking about suicide and extreme distress.
You could ask:
“Have you had any thoughts of suicide or ending your life?”
“Things are sounding inescapable or overwhelming right now. I’m wondering if you have had any thoughts of ending your life.”
“You mentioned you want to kill yourself or that you would be better off dead. Can I ask, have you made any active plans to end your life?”
These phrases focus on empathy, active listening and being clear about your concerns. With clarity, the right support can be gained.
Phrases to avoid
Try to avoid phrases such as:
“You’re not thinking of doing anything stupid, are you?”
“Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”
“Have you had any dark thoughts?”
While these phrases may come from good intentions, they can be vague or minimise the person’s feelings. Asking directly if a person is thinking about or planning to end their life can help dispel any fear they have about sharing their feelings.
SIGNPOST
Engage in a gentle conversation with the person you are worried about.
If you are concerned about their safety over the next 24 hours or they share a plan to end their life, it is often best to help them attend a hospital for urgent care.
You may do this by:
- Calling an ambulance
- Taking them to the hospital, providing you feel it is safe to do so
- Asking for permission to contact a close friend or family member to support them
If the person has no plans to end their life but is experiencing thoughts about ending their life which they find frightening and overwhelming, having details of support services to hand can help.
Support is available through:
- Local GP surgery
- Samaritans: 116 123
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 587 0800
- SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258
For more information on suicide and supporting others
Zero Suicide Alliance
Suicide prevention and awareness information and resources.
Mind
Information about understanding suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Samaritans
Information and support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
SAS Support
If you or a colleague is experiencing declining mental health, please get in touch through our ‘School Wellbeing’ app, staff wellbeing portal or contact us directly.
Tel: 01773 814402
Email: counselling@uk-sas.co.uk
By Ethan Gordon
Head of Counselling