With the number of men dying by suicide in Australia and the UK each year exceeding national road tolls, there is every reason for us not only to be alarmed, but also to be alert as to how each of us might be able to help. Suicide is not a problem of mental health services, it’s a problem of communities – and one that communities must learn to respond to (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2025; Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2025).
Male suicide is commonly associated with things like: relationship breakdown, bereavement, loss of job or career, financial problems, high levels of stress and depleted emotional and personal coping resources, psychological distress, as well as ready access to firearms, pills, or other means used for suicide (ABS, 2025; ONS, 2025; Male Suicide Prevention Australia, n.d.).
Here are some suggestions for responding to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts:
- Most importantly, recognise that you are not responsible for someone else’s suicidal behaviour. You have no control over their will. If they choose to act in a self-harming or destructiveway, they have chosen to do so; they are responsible.
- Talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts won’t encourage them to act on them but will signal genuine concern and an avenue of hope. (Blades et al., 2018; Dazzi et al., 2014). (Dazzi et al., 2014; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2022).
- Think about how best to approach them, given what you know about their personality and temperament; be determined but respectful.
- People experiencing suicidal thoughts may not be easy to help. They may be so distressed, despondent, or troubled that they view everything as pointless, except to put an end to how they feel. Persevere anyway. The most important thing is to ensure their safety. (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2022; Stanley et al., 2018). (NICE, 2022; World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).Let them know that you’re seriously concerned. Suggest that they see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately or ring a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line. Offer to help them to make the phone call or to attend the appointment. Stay close to them to see if the outcome was helpful.
- Get them to think about what is worthwhile and precious in their life, who depends on them and who values them.
- Conscript the help of relatives or friends to keep a watchful eye on them, to break their isolation, and to provide extra safety.
- Negotiate to take charge of any readily available means for acting on suicidal thoughts or impulses, such as guns, knives, rope, pills, or even car keys (if you think a vehicle might be used).
- Try to get them to promise not to harm themselves and to accept assistance. If you don’t think they’ll listen to you, then consider who else they usually confide in, feel comfortable with and/or trust. Maybe this person could make the approach and encourage them to seek assistance. Provide them with a reliable 24/7 Crisis Line number. Be sure to follow up to see if things worked out. Believe it or not, even 24/7 crisis lines sometimes fail to answer!
You yourself can also seek advice and guidance about what to do at any time, from a community mental health service or hospital based mental health service.
Don’t think, or let anyone else insinuate, that you as a non-mental health professional have only a referral role with someone that is experiencing suicidal thoughts (NICE, 2022).
Often, the most effective suicide prevention action comes from ordinary individuals who are prepared to companion a person through their distress. Your help and perseverance could be of critical or even greater importance; so, don’t be put off or allow yourself to be sidelined. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025; NCISH, 2025).
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Intentional self-harm (suicide) deaths, 2024. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/intentional-self-harm-suicide-deaths/latest-release
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Risk factors (Suicide & self-harm monitoring). https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/risk-factors
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Use of health services preceding suicide. https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/service-use/use-of-health-services-preceding-suicide
Blades, C. A., Stritzke, W. G. K., Page, A. C., & Brown, J. D. (2018). The benefits and risks of asking research participants about suicide: A meta-analysis of the impact of exposure to suicide-related content. *Clinical Psychology Review, 64*, 1–12.
Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics. (2025). Road Trauma Australia 2024. https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/road-trauma-australia-2024.pdf
Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear, N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? *Psychological Medicine, 44*(16), 3361–3363.
Department for Transport. (2025). Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024
House of Commons Library. (2026). Suicide statistics (CBP-7749). https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7749/
National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health. (2021). *Suicide by middle-aged men*. https://www.hqip.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/NCISH_2021-Suicide-by-middle-aged-men-report_HQIP_FINAL.pdf