Suicide Prevention Awareness Week takes place this year from 7th – 13th September incorporating World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2026.
Fife’s Health Promotion Service supports ‘What If’, the national campaign from Suicide Prevention Scotland, co-created by people with lived and living experience of suicide.
Suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing to ask someone about. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they say yes? What if it gives them the idea? But lots of people don’t realise if you’re worried about someone, asking them ‘are you thinking about suicide’ is the best way to prevent it from happening.
Suicide Prevention Scotland: 3 steps to asking about suicide
Asking someone if they are considering suicide is daunting, but it's the right thing to do.
You can follow 3 steps to ask about suicide:
- Step 1: Ask directly. Be kind and gentle but being clear is important. Ask the question directly ‘Are you thinking about suicide’
- Step 2: Listen and acknowledge. If someone does say they are thinking about suicide, remain calm. Never minimalise how they are feeling, but more than anything, give them time
- Step 3: Keep safe. It is important to think about keeping the person safe, but it’s important that you take care of yourself too
The ‘What If’ campaign website has short animations with practical advice for each step: www.suicideprevention.scot/ask
