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World Suicide Prevention Day: You Do Not Have to Carry This Alone

Writer: Vanessa Porter
Vanessa Porter
Sep 10
2 min read

Content note: This article talks about suicide and suicidal thoughts. Please read at your own pace, pause if you need to, and use the urgent support information below if you are not safe.


World Suicide Prevention Day can bring up a lot. For some people it offers hope and a chance to speak openly. For others it may feel exposing, painful or very close to home. There is no correct way to feel today.


At Be/Here, we want to say this clearly: being LGBTQIA+ is not the cause of poor mental health. The weight often comes from rejection, discrimination, isolation, trauma, unsafe services and the exhausting work of deciding where it is safe to be fully yourself. You are not weak for being affected by what you have had to carry.


Changing the conversation this World Suicide Prevention day


The 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day campaign continues the theme Changing the Narrative on Suicide. That change begins when we make room for honest words without panic, shame or judgement. Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not put the idea in their head. It can permit them to tell the truth.


Colorful poster with the reassuring message "PLEASE BELIEVE THESE DAYS WILL PASS" displayed boldly, offering hope and encouragement amidst challenging times.

  • Choose a quiet moment and ask how they are really doing.

  • Listen without rushing to solve everything or offer a silver lining.

  • If you are worried, ask clearly whether they are thinking about suicide.

  • Take any immediate risk seriously and help them connect with urgent support.

  • Keep checking in after the first conversation. Connection matters beyond one day.


If you need help now


Be/Here is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help in England, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.


You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time.


If speaking aloud feels difficult, text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support from Shout.


You do not need to find perfect words. You only need a next step. If the moment is not urgent and you would like ongoing LGBTQIA+-affirming support, Be/Here offers person-centred therapy and free mental health skills workshops. You deserve support that sees the whole of you.


Explore support from Be/Here when you are ready.

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