What You Need To Know About World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide prevention starts with a conversation, but suicide is a sensitive and heavily stigmatised topic. It is essential to have open and honest discussions.

Suicide awareness is critical because it helps us understand the complexities of mental health, identify warning signs, and provide support to those who need it most.

By talking about suicide openly, we break down barriers, promote empathy, and encourage people to seek help without fear of judgment. That is what suicide prevention actually looks like in practice.

Why Suicide Prevention Matters: The Numbers

Here are some alarming statistics about suicide in Nigeria and globally:

Global: The WHO reports that 727,000 people die by suicide every year, and that 73 per cent of those deaths occur in low and middle income countries.
Youth: Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.
Nigeria: Nigeria’s suicide figures are contested. Different sources give very different rates, and underreporting means none of them can be treated as reliable. What is not in dispute is that suicide remains a serious problem here.

These figures show why suicide prevention needs far more attention, education and funding than it currently receives in Nigeria and globally.

By discussing suicide openly and honestly, we can :

Reduce stigma around mental health
Encourage individuals to seek help
Promote supportive communities
Develop effective prevention strategies
Let’s work together to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Common Myths vs Reality

Suicide is surrounded by misconceptions, and these myths are one of the biggest obstacles to effective suicide prevention. A common myth is that “people who talk about suicide will not actually attempt it“. In reality, many individuals who die by suicide previously expressed verbal or behavioural warning signs, which, if observed in time, could have prompted intervention, but were unconsciously ignored.

Another myth is that “asking someone about suicide encourages the act“. Empirical studies demonstrate that inquiring about suicidal ideation does not “plant the idea” but rather creates an avenue for open dialogue and support. It makes them feel noticed and worthy; little things make changes.

It is also falsely believed that “suicide occurs without warning“. On the contrary, most victims exhibit clear warning signals such as withdrawal, mood changes, or expressing hopelessness. Additionally, suicide is not limited to individuals with mental illness. While mental health conditions are risk factors, situational crises such as financial hardship, trauma, or relationship breakdowns can equally contribute.

Finally, “a person who survives a suicide attempt is assumed to be out of danger“. In truth, past attempts are among the strongest predictors of future risk, necessitating continuous monitoring and professional intervention.

Also Read: Teen Suicide in Africa Is Rising Faster Than You Think

Suicide Prevention Starts With How You Approach Someone

Approaching an individual experiencing suicidal thoughts requires sensitivity, empathy, and practicality.

First, one must recognise warning signs such as isolation, mood instability, or verbal cues relating to death. Conversations should be initiated in a non-judgmental, private space. Open-ended inquiries, for example, “I have noticed changes in you lately; are you thinking about harming yourself?” are recommended.

Support is best offered through active listening and reassurance, avoiding dismissive remarks. Encouraging professional help is critical; this may include contacting a mental health professional, counsellor, or helpline. In high-risk situations, do not leave the person alone, and contact emergency services immediately.

Continuous follow-up through visits, calls, or messages reinforces the individual’s sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. Follow-up is one of the most overlooked parts of suicide prevention, and one of the most important.

Short Realistic Scenarios: Supporting Someone in Crisis

Suicide prevention rarely looks dramatic. Most of the time, it looks like these ordinary moments.

Scenario 1: The Friend Who Feels Hopeless
Your friend messages you late at night, saying they feel like giving up. You respond calmly:
“I’m really glad you told me. I’m here with you. Can we talk about what’s happening right now?”
You listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and gently encourage them to contact a mental health professional or a crisis helpline.

Scenario 2: A Colleague Showing Warning Signs
You notice a co-worker withdrawing from team activities and making comments like, “Nothing matters anyway.” You approach them privately:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately. I care about you, and I want to help. Do you want to talk, or would you like me to help you find someone to talk to?”
You respect their pace but offer support and resources.

Scenario 3: A Family Member Expressing Suicidal Thoughts
Your sibling says, “I just can’t take it anymore.” You remain calm, avoid minimising their feelings, and say:
“I hear you. I want to make sure you’re safe. Can we sit together and find someone trained to help us right now?”
You stay with them, do not leave them alone, and contact a crisis line or professional support.

Scenario 4: Checking In Without Being Overwhelming
A friend seems distant and less responsive. You send a simple message:
“Hey, I’ve been thinking about you. I’m here if you want to talk or hang out.”
Even a brief check-in can make someone feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Also Read: Suicide Prevention in Africa: What We Need To Talk About

When Crisis Happens: Steps to Take in the Moment

We have talked a lot about suicide prevention, possible scenarios and the myths around it. But what happens when you come face-to-face with someone who is actively trying to take their life? One of our team members shares her own experience below, and we walk through the steps together.

I once had a friend who was bubbly, full of life, and the centre of every gathering. One night, a few of us slept over at her place after hanging out. I usually take a long time before falling asleep, so while everyone else was fast asleep, I was still tossing and turning. At some point, my friend got up from her bed. At first, I assumed she was going to the bathroom, but when she left the room entirely, I got curious and followed, thinking she might be sleepwalking.

Step one is to notice and approach safely. I followed her quietly and saw her in the kitchen, preparing something. It took me a moment to understand what I was looking at. My heart was racing. This was not a movie scene. It was real life.

Step two is to stay calm. In that moment, I reminded myself not to panic. If you panic, you can make things worse. She stood there with tears rolling down her cheeks. This was not the time to wonder why. The priority was to save her life.

Step three is to interrupt gently. I stepped forward and said, “No.” She was startled, not expecting anyone to see her in that state, and she stopped.

Step four is to connect instead of confront. Rather than shouting or demanding an explanation, I rushed to her and hugged her. She hugged me back and broke down crying. No words, just tears. I cried too, because my heart was heavy.

Sometimes, in the middle of a suicide crisis, our instinct is to pour out anger or questions. But often, a calm presence or a hug is what matters most.

Now you might ask, what if the person locks themselves in a room or holds a weapon? The step remains the same: stay calm. Keep talking gently while finding a safe way to open the door. At the same time, call emergency helplines, but do it discreetly. Some people in crisis are very sensitive to pressure. Stay nearby until help comes.

If they have already harmed themselves, call emergency services immediately and stay with them until help arrives. Offer simple, validating words like, “I understand how you feel,” until professionals arrive.

Finally, never leave them alone until help comes. And after the crisis, encourage ongoing support. A past attempt is one of the strongest predictors of risk, so professional care and follow-up are essential.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, remember you do not have to handle it alone. Professional help and immediate support are available, and reaching out can save a life.

A Final Note

World Suicide Prevention Day is one day in the year, but the work it points to belongs to every day. If there is someone on your mind right now, reach out to them today.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, call your local suicide prevention hotline. If someone is in immediate danger, please call your local emergency number.

Below are helplines and resources you can contact when someone is in crisis.

Nigeria