How to talk about suicide
By talking openly about suicide, you can save lives. Created for educators, organisations and individuals.
Learn how to:
1. Discuss suicide with openness and empathy
2. Start the conversation at work, school or home
3. Talk to and support someone struggling
More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year across the globe
of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among ages 15–29 globally
How to Talk About Suicide: When Every Word Matters
Talking about suicide is difficult, but silence can be devastating. This guide – How to talk about suicide – was created in partnership with Zero Suicide Alliance to provide practical, expert-led advice. The goal is for you to feel confident in having open, empathetic, and potentially life-saving conversations about suicide.
Inside this guide, you’ll find advice on using language that reduces stigma, understanding the importance of empathy, and avoiding harmful phrases that are still too common in everyday speech. It explores the warning signs that someone may be struggling, from changes in mood to sudden withdrawal, and offers practical ways to start a conversation about suicide with care and confidence.
You’ll learn how to support those bereaved by suicide and hear directly from those with lived experience. Guidance is also provided for supporting people across the workplace, home and education settings.
This is a resource that can be returned to again and again. It is designed to give you the confidence to start the most important conversations.
Who are R;pple?
As a member of both the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA), R;pple is a leading suicide prevention charity.
Founded by Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple exists to transform harmful online searches into a journey of hope, offering support to individuals at their most vulnerable point. Our digital crisis intervention tool is free for educators, individuals and charities – and always will be.
With over 1.9 million users across 50 countries and territories, R;pple’s crisis intervention tool intercepts online searches related to self-harm, suicide, and a wide range of mental health challenges, directing individuals to free, 24/7 mental health support.
Backed by leading organisations and freely available to educators, individuals, and charities, R;pple continues to broaden its impact, creating safer online spaces and saving lives from suicide.
