10th September is Suicide Prevention Day. We wanted to highlight a few thoughts from psychotherapist Cassandra Geisel. Her latest article ‘Reframing How We Understand Suicide‘ discusses how we can build a world that supports people to live, and to live well. We also share resources and support options for those who are feeling suicidal, and those who have been bereaved by suicide.
Key points from Cassandra’s article:
We must rethink how we talk about suicide prevention, pushing for change that reflects compassion, empathy, and a commitment to long-term support systems
– Cassandra Geisel
- Normalising the conversation: “One of the biggest misconceptions about suicidal thoughts is that they’re rare, something that happens to “other people” or a select few who are particularly troubled. But a lot of people think about suicide at some point in their lives, whether it’s during moments of intense stress, hopelessness, or grief. Acknowledging this helps us destigmatise suicidal ideation. The idea that people who experience these thoughts are somehow “other” can create a wall between us and those in pain. It makes suicidal ideation feel like a taboo subject, something to be feared or hidden […] By normalising the conversation around suicidal thoughts, we create space for honesty and understanding.”
- Suicide prevention is political: “The conditions that lead people to despair and hopelessness are shaped by political decisions—decisions about housing, healthcare, wages, and social safety nets. When we talk about preventing suicide, we can’t focus solely on individual actions like reaching out or asking for help. We must recognize that suicide is often the result of systemic inequalities and chronic neglect by those in power.”
- Care, not control: “What if suicide prevention wasn’t about preventing death, but about fostering life? What if we focused less on reducing risk and more on cultivating connections, understanding pain, and creating communities where people feel supported enough to keep going? This anti-carceral, community-centred approach isn’t just a shift in how we talk about suicide. It’s a revolution in how we understand it. Instead of isolating those who feel suicidal, we draw them closer. Instead of assuming that suicidal thoughts are a problem to be eliminated, we ask what they’re trying to tell us. We recognise that the desire to end life is often rooted in a longing for connection, care, and change.”
Support if you are feeling suicidal
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
Samaritans – a phone helpline for whatever you are doing through. Free at any time on 116 123.
The Listening Place provides free, face-to-face support across London for individuals to talk openly about their suicidal feelings without being judged. If you’re not based in London, you might be able to find similar services local to you by googling ‘suicide support in X location’.
Support if you have lost someone to suicide
Suicide & Co have a free counselling service and helpline, as well as lots of resources online and their very own app.
The New Normal specialise in peer support. They have a free a monthly online meeting called ‘It’s Complicated’ for those who grieving under particularly difficult circumstances, such as suicide.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide offer peer-led support groups, online support groups, a telephone helpline, an online community forum and email support.