World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide can affect anyone

For World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is urging people across Kent and Medway to challenge the misconception that suicide only affects people with a diagnosed mental health condition.

Local suicide data shows that between 2020 and 2024, 75% of people who died by suspected suicide across Kent and Medway were male, while 69% were not known to secondary mental health services. 14% were aged 25 or under (Kent Democracy⁠) and data shows that autistic persons are 9 times more likely to die by suicide (Parliament UK).

While mental ill health can be a risk factor, many people experiencing suicidal thoughts do not have a diagnosis or previous contact with mental health services. Suicidal thoughts can arise from experiences including bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, loneliness, financial pressures, physical health problems and major life changes.

Lorraine Mitchell, Clinical Risk and Suicide Prevention Lead at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Here in Kent and Medway, we want everyone to know that suicide can affect any of us, whatever our age or circumstances. Our local data shows that many people who die by suicide have not been known to secondary mental health services. This is an important reminder that preventing suicide is something we all have a part to play in, not something mental health services can do alone.

“Children and young people, women and men can all experience suicidal thoughts or reach a point of crisis. We must not make assumptions about who may be struggling or what someone experiencing suicidal thoughts looks like.

“If you are worried about someone, start a conversation. Ask how they are, listen without judgement and take what they say seriously. You do not need to have all the answers. Giving someone the opportunity to talk can be an important first step towards getting support.”

The trust’s approach to suicide prevention focuses on understanding a person’s individual needs, experiences and circumstances, rather than defining them by a diagnosis.

A patient at the trust shared: “During a period of great distress I worked with the suicide prevention team. What I remember most clearly is the importance of being met as a person, not simply as a diagnosis or a collection of risks. The support I received helped me feel listened to and understood at a time when I was extremely vulnerable. 

“The human relationship mattered: kindness, patience and genuine care made it possible for me to feel less alone and begin finding hope again. My experience taught me that suicide prevention is not only about assessment, procedures and keeping someone physically safe, essential though these are. It is also about connection – helping someone feel that their life has value and that another person is willing to stay alongside them during an unbearable time.”

The trust is encouraging people to feel more confident talking to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Asking directly if someone is thinking about suicide does not put the idea into their head. It can instead give someone an opportunity to talk openly about how they are feeling.

People do not need to have the right words or all the answers. Listening without judgement, taking someone seriously and helping them connect with appropriate support can make a real difference.

Ivan, who had suicidal thoughts, shared: “The trust’s Community Rehabilitation Service has given me a new lease of life. Your team has given me hope for tomorrow. Before I could never show love or feel love from anybody. I now cuddle my grandchildren, so that’s a huge bonus from the team.”

In this video, Ivan shares his story of suicidal thoughts, support and recovery through our North Kent Community Rehabilitation Service.

The trust has launched awareness training and opportunities to help colleagues to better identify suicide risk, to feel more confident starting conversations about suicide, and to confidently manage suicide risk.

Lorraine added: “Suicide prevention is everybody’s business. Whether you are worried about a child, young person or adult, a friend, family member, colleague or someone in your community, noticing that someone is struggling and taking the time to listen can make a difference.”

By challenging misconceptions, reducing stigma and encouraging compassionate and empathetic conversations, the trust hopes more people across Kent and Medway will feel able to speak openly, seek support and look out for one another.

For suicide prevention advice, information about supporting someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, and sources of support, visit the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust website.