Each year on September 10, the world observes World Suicide Prevention Day—a vital reminder that behind the smiles and routines of everyday life, countless people are silently battling emotional pain. It's a day not just for awareness, but for action—for learning how to show up for someone who might be struggling and for creating communities where people feel truly seen and supported.
“World Suicide Prevention Day is not just a date on the calendar,” says Mumbai-based psychologist Raashi Gurnani, “it’s a reminder that so many people are carrying invisible battles and deserve to be seen. It’s about breaking the silence around pain that feels unspeakable.”
According to the World Health Organization, over 720,000 people die by suicide each year, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 29-year-olds. Yet, mental health professionals stress that suicide is preventable—and that even small, compassionate actions can have life-saving impact.
When someone is overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, the last thing they need is judgment or quick fixes. What they need is presence, empathy, and someone who can sit with their pain without flinching.
“The most powerful thing you can do,” Gurnani explains, “is sit with them, listen without judgment, and let them know their darkness doesn’t scare you. Sometimes the healing begins not with words, but with silence, presence, and the willingness to hold their hand through the unbearable.”
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Dr Shailesh Jha, Consultant Psychiatrist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, adds that non-judgmental listening is crucial. “Encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling instead of brushing it off or offering quick solutions. Let them know they’re not alone and that you care for their safety.”
Even asking direct questions—like “Are you having suicidal thoughts?”—can be life-saving.
“Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide doesn’t plant the idea in their head,” says Vaidehi Mishra, Counseling Psychologist at Rocket Health. “In fact, it opens a door to support and safety.”
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Suicidal ideation doesn’t always present in obvious ways. Experts advise being alert to both direct signs—like talking about death or expressing hopelessness—and indirect ones, such as:
“Despair narrows the mind until it sees no way out,” Gurnani says. “Prevention means gently widening that lens—helping someone find even the smallest reason to keep going.”
Supporting someone in crisis doesn’t require a degree in psychology—but it does require empathy, awareness, and action.
Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for someone to share their feelings without fear of being dismissed or criticised.
Validate their pain: Avoid minimising statements like “others have it worse.” Instead, say, “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. I’m here for you.”
Encourage professional help: Offer to help them book an appointment or accompany them to a session if needed.
Stay connected: Check in regularly. A text or call can be a powerful reminder that they’re not alone.
Be present in crisis: If someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them and seek emergency help right away.
“Suicide prevention isn’t only about crisis lines,” says Gurnani, “it’s about creating a world where people feel like they belong before they reach the edge.”
Dr Jha emphasises the importance of reducing stigma and increasing mental health literacy: “We need to create environments—homes, schools, workplaces—where vulnerability isn’t punished but welcomed.”
Programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) offer training to help everyday people recognise warning signs and respond effectively. These tools equip us all to be first responders in emotional emergencies.
Whether you're a friend, family member, colleague, or simply someone who notices a stranger in distress, your presence matters.
“At its heart, prevention is about offering hope when hope feels impossible,” Gurnani says.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's move beyond performative awareness. Let's check in on our people, educate ourselves, and build a world where no one feels they have to suffer in silence. Remember: You don’t have to have the perfect words. You just have to show up.
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