Suicide Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Keep Checking on Each Other

Lloyd M
Sep 8
3 min read

September is World Suicide Prevention Month, and Wednesday 10 September is marked globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. These dates are not just about campaigns and hashtags. They are a reminder of something deeper: every life matters, and we all have a role to play in supporting one another.

Suicide is preventable. Often, what makes the difference is not a grand gesture but the simple act of checking in asking, “How are you really doing?” and taking time to listen. Wherever we live Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia or Oceania this truth is universal: we need to keep checking on each other.

Why This Matters Everywhere

Around the world, mental health struggles are often hidden. People show up smiling while silently battling depression, anxiety, grief, burnout, or loneliness. Too often, silence and stigma keep them from speaking up. Vulnerability is mistaken for weakness and instead of hearing “it’s okay to not be okay,” many hear: “be strong, don’t talk about it.”

That silence can be deadly. By the time we realise how badly someone was struggling, it may already be too late. This is why checking on each other genuinely, consistently and without judgement is so important.

Beyond a Day on the Calendar

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is not about a single day of awareness. It is about highlighting the ongoing need to prioritise mental health and community care every day. Suicide prevention is not the job of professionals alone it starts with us, in our homes, families, workplaces, schools and community spaces.

Every call, every text, every coffee meet-up is a chance to remind someone: you matter, and you are not alone.

Building Safe Spaces

Across the globe, different communities are showing us how to respond:

In Zimbabwe, the Friendship Bench makes support accessible through simple wooden benches where trained listeners provide a safe, non-judgemental space to talk.
In the UK and beyond, organisations like The New Normal Charity provide free peer-to-peer groups where anyone can share, listen or simply sit in community without pressure.
In many countries, crisis helplines, online platforms and local initiatives ensure that help is just a call, message or conversation away.

The lesson is clear: no matter where we are, safe spaces save lives. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one check-in, one moment of compassion.

A Call to Action: Keep Checking In

So what can we do, as global citizens, to truly honour Suicide Prevention Month and Day?

Check on Each Other RegularlyDon’t wait for someone to reach breaking point. A simple “How are you?” can open the door for honesty.
Make Time to ListenListening without rushing or dismissing shows people they matter. Often, it’s not advice they need it’s presence.
Normalise VulnerabilitySharing our own struggles can give others permission to share theirs. Strength is found in honesty, not silence.
Encourage SupportWhether through community groups, charities, or professional counselling, remind friends and family that help is available and it’s okay to reach for it.
Be ConsistentSuicide prevention is not a one-time conversation. It’s about building a culture of care where checking in becomes part of how we live.

Together, We Can Save Lives

World Suicide Prevention Month is a chance to pause and reflect. But beyond September, the real work continues in every phone call, every message, every time we choose compassion over silence.

No matter where we are in the world, let’s commit to building communities where no one has to struggle alone. Let’s keep checking on each other, making time to ask if we’re truly okay, and ensuring that everyone knows: help is always within reach.

It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s even more okay to ask for help.

📌 Resource Box: Where to Find Support

🌍 Because readers may be from anywhere, here are both global and local support options:

International Directory – Find suicide prevention hotlines worldwide: findahelpline.com
The New Normal Charity (Worldwide) – Free, inclusive peer-to-peer support groups for life’s difficult moments.🌐 thenewnormalcharity.org
Friendship Bench (Zimbabwe & Global) – Community-based safe spaces to talk and heal.🌐 friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org
Samaritans (UK & ROI) – 24/7 free helpline.📞 Call 116 123
Shout (UK) – Free, confidential 24/7 text support.📱 Text SHOUT to 85258
Mind (UK) – Mental health information and support.🌐 mind.org.uk

✨ Campaign Tagline

“Keep Checking: Every Conversation Could Save a Life.”