Changing the narrative

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on Wednesday 10th September. It’s a day where we can all unite to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and take meaningful action.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO), has designated the 2024-2026 theme as ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with a call to ‘Start the Conversation.’ In this edition we give tips and information on how we can rethink, and reshape, how we talk about suicide.

Shifting the conversation

This year Lena are supporting the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) five key messages which offer a powerful framework for employees to support their own mental health and that of colleagues, family, and friends.

01. Reach out and check in

A simple gesture like asking ‘How are you, really?’ can spark hope when someone feels alone. Whether you

reach out to a co‑worker, friend, or family member, these small acts of caring create meaningful connection and can make all the difference.

02. Your words matter

How we speak can heal or hurt. Using language that is kind, empathetic, and respectful nurtures dignity. Always use sensitive phrasing such as ‘died by suicide’ rather than terms like ‘committed suicide,’ and say ‘experiencing suicidal thoughts’ instead of calling someone ‘suicidal.’ These subtle changes help reduce stigma and open doors for real conversation.

03. Be safe online

In today’s connected world, online conversations can reach far and wide. Sharing information about suicide or self‑harm requires care and responsibility. Creating safe, nuanced, and supportive digital spaces helps protect others – whether you’re forwarding a post, replying in a group chat, or commenting on social media.

04. Let’s talk about suicide

Learning to identify the signs of distress and knowing how to start a sensitive conversation are powerful skills. HSE’s Let’s Talk About Suicide (LTAS) is a free, 60‑minute online training course that supports you to recognise risk, speak with clarity and empathy, and guide someone toward help. Investing in suicide prevention skills is a vital way to keep each other safe.

05. Know where to get help

Being able to point someone toward help, or know where to turn yourself, is more important than ever. Familiarise yourself with local and national crisis support services, such as Lifeline in Northern Ireland, ‘Text About It’ in Ireland, and Samaritans who cover all of Ireland and the UK.

Lifeline (NI): 0808 808 8000

Text About It (Ire): 086 1800 280

Samaritans (UK&Ire): 116 123

Not just for one day

While the five key messages bring focus to WSPD on 10 September, they represent habits worth nurturing all year. The aim is to create a compassionate environment where mental health is openly discussed, support is offered proactively, and training is encouraged.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s embody NOSP’s five key messages: reach out, speak kindly, act thoughtfully online, build suicide‑aware skills, and know where to get help. Together, we can create workplaces and communities where empathy thrives, hope prevails, and no one has to struggle alone.

Self care matters too

Supporting others can be emotionally demanding. Look after your own mental health by:

• Taking breaks when needed.
• Talking to someone you trust.
• Engaging in activities that bring you rest or joy.
• Reaching out to Lena for professional support.

Visit Lena’s Support Hub for more information and access to tools and resources that can help you stay mentally fit and healthy.