September is Suicide Prevention Month. According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office, there were 500 deaths by suicide in Ireland in 2022, with the five-year average (2018 to 2022) of suicides being 526. This highlights the need for more awareness around suicide prevention. In this article, we will discuss this topic and the steps you can take should you ever find yourself in a situation where you fear that a loved one is contemplating suicide.

What suicide prevention means and why open conversations matter

When we talk of suicide prevention, we are referring to efforts and strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. These strategies can be implemented at an individual level, as well as within families, friend groups, and communities.

Signs that someone may be struggling and how to approach them with care

While every case is individual, behaviour changes can be an indicator that someone is struggling with suicidal ideation. Examples of such changes can include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol and/or substance abuse
• Extreme emotion and mood fluctuations
• Giving away possessions
• No longer engaging in activities they used to enjoy
• Not getting enough sleep
• Not looking after themselves
• Overeating
• Oversleeping
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Self-harm
• Taking extreme risks
• Undereating
• Withdrawing from friends and family

How to start a conversation without judgement or pressure

As difficult a topic as suicide is, reaching out to a person that you believe is struggling is very important. Do not be afraid to directly ask the question.

Ideally, you should choose a space that’s private so that they’re comfortable talking. Let them tell you what’s going on at their own pace. Do not pressure them, and listen to them without offering judgement.

Here are some examples of how you might start a conversation about suicide:

• Are you ok? You don’t seem like yourself lately.
• Do you need to talk? You seem quite down lately.
• I’m worried about you; are you doing ok?

What to Do If Someone Says They Are Suicidal

If a loved one tells you that they are thinking about suicide, encourage them to seek help. Suggest that they talk to their doctor, a counsellor, or a mental health help facility. Be supportive. Assure them that there is no shame in having these feelings or seeking help, and that you will be there to support them.

If you believe that the person is at immediate risk of committing suicide, stay with the person, and contact emergency services on 999 or an appropriate support service. Do not leave them alone.

The importance of seeking professional and appropriate support

When it comes to suicide prevention, nobody should have to face it alone. It should not fall on one person to help the person. It is therefore vital that the person struggling has access to, and receives, appropriate professional support. Help them to connect with a mental health support service, such as a crisis hotline, and attend counselling sessions. You do not have to solve all the problems, but enabling the person to access the right support can be a huge help.

As mentioned earlier, if you believe that the person is at immediate risk, you should contact the emergency services on 999.

The role of community, connection, and creating spaces where people feel heard

Prolonged isolation is not good for anyone’s mental health, and reducing this is important when it comes to suicide prevention. Connection and community are important here; someone who regularly engages in a community is less likely to undergo prolonged isolation and the negative feelings that can arise as a result.

It is important that everyone has the opportunity to be heard and discuss how they feel openly without judgement.

Connect Factor Open Mic 22nd September 2026

As part of Aspen Counselling’s contribution to Suicide Prevention Month, we are hosting Connect Factor Open Mic on 22nd September at Kenny’s in Lucan (function room), where people can come forward and express themselves through poetry, comedy, music, or song. Everyone is most welcome to attend, and we can promise a night of fun and connection.

FAQs

What are some common signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health?

Common signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health include, but are not limited to: withdrawal from friends and family, getting too much or too little sleep, overeating, undereating, withdrawal from hobbies, self-harm, dramatic mood changes, and emotional fluctuations.

How can I support someone who may be going through a difficult time?

In situations when you believe a loved one is struggling with their mental health and/or is possibly contemplating suicide, it is important to be a non-judgmental listener and to help your loved one access appropriate professional support

When should someone consider seeking professional mental health support?

If emotional issues and/or depressive thoughts persist over two weeks, it is time to seek professional mental health support. If a person is at immediate risk of suicide, the emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Why is connection and talking to others important for mental health?

Connection and talking to others help reduce feelings of isolation. Isolation is a major cause of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation; therefore, it is vital that it is reduced and that everyone is afforded regular opportunities to connect with people.