Suicide Awareness: Commonly Asked Questions About Suicide

Thinking about suicide can bring up a lot of questions, and it’s a brave step to look for answers. This guide aims to answer common questions about suicide and how to support someone who may be struggling. It offers clear information and helpful resources, because you’re not alone in trying to understand and support others through this deeply sensitive issue. Let’s explore some of the most common questions people have.

1. How Many People Die by Suicide Annually?

According to the World Health Organization (2024), more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year. These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgently we need to recognize and respond to the signs of suicide. As one of the leading causes of death worldwide, suicide demands urgent awareness and prevention efforts.

2. Does Talking About Suicide Increase the Risk of an Attempt or Death by Suicide?

Talking about suicide with someone at risk can actually save a life. Attempting suicide can often be an impulsive act; the opportunity and safe space to speak about it can make an individual contemplating suicide take a pause and reflect on reasons to live. Besides, holding space for someone with suicidal ideation can make them feel seen, heard, and valued. By acknowledging a person’s experience, one can also motivate them to seek professional support with a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

3. Who is at Risk of Dying by Suicide?

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and psychosis can increase a person’s risk of suicide. However, it’s important to remember that suicide is often influenced by a combination of factors beyond mental health alone. These may include:

• Financial stress or debt
• A recent stressful or traumatic event
• Relationship issues or breakups
• Unemployment or job loss
• Rejection or feelings of isolation
• Grief and loss
• Legal problems
• Academic or workplace pressure
• Discrimination or bullying (including cyberbullying)
• A history of abuse or trauma
• Chronic illness or ongoing physical pain

Recognizing the wide range of possible triggers can help us respond with greater understanding and compassion.

4. What are Warning Signs of Suicide?

Identifying warning signs can lead to suicide prevention. If a loved one is withdrawing from relationships, it can be a point of concern. Other warning signs include discussing suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, experiencing feelings of being a burden or purposelessness, and engaging in impulsive behaviors, such as heavy substance use. Other serious warning signs include a history of suicide attempts or self-harming behaviors such as cutting, poisoning, or burning. If someone leaves a note or makes statements like “I’d be better off dead” or “What’s the point of this life?” it may indicate severe distress and an increased risk of suicide. Giving away belongings and struggling to envision the future can also serve as warning signs.

5. Can We Prevent Suicide?

Suicide awareness can lead to suicide prevention. Challenging the stigma associated with mental health care can encourage people to seek professional help by consulting a mental health care provider. Emotional support and care from friends and family at the right time can make an individual rethink their decision around suicide.

6. How Can You Create Suicide Awareness?

September 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. The aim of this day is to raise awareness around suicide prevention and encourage open and non-judgmental conversations around suicide. Suicide prevention includes raising awareness about the warning signs and helping people understand how to respond. One key approach is gatekeeper training, which teaches non-mental health professionals, such as teachers, community leaders, or friends, how to recognize signs of suicidal thoughts and offer support. These efforts aim to equip more people with the tools to help someone in crisis. Several steps can make a meaningful difference in supporting individuals with suicidal thoughts:

• Encourage people to seek help through mental health services and suicide helplines.
• Limit access to potentially harmful objects or environments.
• Foster a culture of care, empathy, and connection—whether at home, in the workplace, or throughout the broader community.

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment can play a powerful role in preventing suicide and promoting overall well-being.

Here are some helpline numbers:

Samaritans Mumbai – +918422984528

Vandrevala Foundation – +91 9999666555

7. What Does a Safety Plan For Someone at Risk of Suicide Entail?

Mental health care providers encourage people with suicidal ideation to create a safety plan. A safety plan is a guide to what one can do when they experience suicidal thoughts. It is tailored to the needs of the individual. Safety plans usually include a list of warning signs and triggers, and the removal of harmful objects. The plan may also include healthy coping strategies that help calm distressing thoughts. These might involve deep breathing, listening to music, taking a walk, playing with a pet, eating a comforting meal, or taking a warm bath. Having a list of people one can reach out to, which includes trusted friends and family as well as contact details of psychologists, psychiatrists, support groups, and suicide helpline numbers, is also part of a safety plan. 

The Bottom Line: Awareness Saves Lives

Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts starts with empathy, awareness, and the willingness to have open, non-judgmental conversations. Small actions such as listening, offering help, or simply being present can have a profound impact. Most importantly, no one has to go through it alone. Help is always available, and healing is always possible