September is an important time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. It provides an opportunity to have honest and meaningful conversations, challenge the stigma surrounding suicide, and remind people that help and support are available.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on 10 September. In 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to promote the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with a call to “Start the Conversation.”
According to the WHO, suicide remains a major public health challenge, with more than 720,000 people dying by suicide globally each year. Behind these statistics are individuals, families and communities affected by loss, grief and mental health challenges.
As part of this suicide prevention awareness feature, we speak with Dr Nqobile Maphumulo, a psychologist who works with individuals across different age groups and socio-cultural backgrounds.
Dr Maphumulo specialises in areas including trauma-related experiences, grief therapy, interpersonal relationship therapy, couples therapy and mood disorders. Her work focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate emotional and psychological challenges and helping them access appropriate care and support.
Suicide can affect people from all walks of life, and recognising the signs that someone may be struggling is an important part of prevention.“Suicide can affect people from all walks of life. Sometimes, a person who is struggling may not openly say that they are thinking about suicide.
Through this conversation, Dr Maphumulo explores the importance of starting open, compassionate conversations about suicide, understanding the experiences of people who may be struggling, and encouraging individuals to seek professional help when they need it.
The aim is not only to raise awareness, but also to remind people that conversations can create opportunities for connection, support and intervention.
Suicide Prevention Month: Questions and Answers
September is recognised as Suicide Prevention Month. Why is it important for us to have open and honest conversations about suicide and mental health, and how can these conversations help reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help?
I think one of the biggest reasons we need to have these conversations is because silence can be incredibly dangerous. We often make conversations about mental health so uncomfortable that people learn to suffer quietly rather than reach out.
When we talk openly about suicide, we are not encouraging it or putting the idea into someone’s head. We are actually creating a space where someone can say, “I’m not okay,” without feeling ashamed, judged, or like they are a burden.
As a psychologist, one of the things I have come to appreciate is that people don’t always need someone to immediately fix their problems. Sometimes, they need someone to sit with them, listen to them, and allow them to be honest about what they are experiencing.
We also need to move away from the idea that asking for psychological help means that you are weak, unstable, or unable to cope. Life can become overwhelming for anyone. Sometimes, asking for help is actually one of the strongest things a person can do.
So, for me, suicide prevention is not only about what we do when somebody reaches crisis point. It is also about creating a culture where people feel safe enough to speak long before they get there.
What changes in a person’s behaviour, mood, or communication should family members and friends take seriously?
I always encourage families to pay attention to changes rather than looking for one particular sign. Often, you know the person you love better than anyone else, so you may notice that something is different even before you can explain exactly what it is.
Someone who is normally social may suddenly withdraw. Someone who is usually engaged may become quiet, distant, or emotionally disconnected. You may notice changes in their sleep, appetite, appearance, work, or studies. They may also stop doing things that previously brought them joy.
We should also take statements such as, “I’m tired of everything,” “People would be better off without me,” “I can’t do this anymore,” or “I just want everything to stop” seriously. We shouldn’t automatically assume that someone is being dramatic or looking for attention.
Another thing I think we sometimes overlook is when someone suddenly seems unusually calm after a very difficult period. A significant change in behaviour can sometimes be a sign that something has shifted internally.
But, most importantly, we don’t have to become mental-health professionals to care for someone. If you notice that someone you love is not themselves, check in. Ask them how they are doing. Give them an opportunity to talk. Sometimes, that simple conversation can be incredibly important.
If someone we care about tells us that they are struggling or expresses that they no longer want to be here, what is the most appropriate way to respond?
The first thing I would say is: don’t panic, and don’t immediately try to solve everything.
If somebody tells you that they don’t want to be here anymore, we need to resist the temptation to say things like, “But you have so much to live for,” “Think about your family,” or “Other people have it worse.” Even though those statements may come from a place of love, they can make someone feel as though their pain isn’t being understood.
Instead, we can say, “I’m really glad you told me,” “I’m here with you,” or “Help me understand what you’re going through.”
Listen without judging. Be present. And, most importantly, take what they are saying seriously.
If you are concerned that they may be in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone, and don’t be afraid to involve additional support. Contact a mental-health professional, a trusted family member, or appropriate emergency services.
Supporting someone doesn’t mean that you have to carry the situation alone. You can be the person who helps them take the next step towards professional support.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can communicate is simply: “You don’t have to go through this by yourself.”
4. There is often a misconception that asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide could make things worse. Is that true?
No. Asking someone directly about suicide does not plant the idea in their mind.
In fact, sometimes asking the question directly is what finally gives someone permission to speak about something they have been carrying silently.
The important thing is how we ask. It shouldn’t sound interrogative or judgemental. It can be as simple as, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been struggling lately, and I’m worried about you. Have you been having thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life?”
And then we need to actually listen to the answer.
We don’t need to have all the right words. We don’t need to immediately know what to do. What matters initially is creating safety and connection.
If someone says yes, we should take that seriously and explore whether they are in immediate danger, rather than dismissing it because we think they “would never actually do it.”
I would much rather have someone ask me a difficult question because they were concerned about me than remain silent because they were afraid of saying the wrong thing.
For people who are struggling but may not feel comfortable approaching a psychologist or other mental-health professional, what are some first steps they can take?
I think we sometimes make getting help sound much bigger and more intimidating than it actually has to be.
If you’re not ready to sit across from a psychologist and talk about everything, start somewhere that feels manageable. Speak to someone you trust—a friend, partner, family member, colleague, teacher, doctor, or spiritual leader.
Even saying, “I’m not doing very well at the moment, and I think I need some support,” is a very important first step.
You can also start by learning more about what you’re experiencing and recognising that struggling does not mean that something is wrong with you as a person. Sometimes, we go through difficult seasons in our lives, and we need additional support to navigate them.
And, when you’re ready, consider reaching out to a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, GP, or community mental-health service.
I also want people to understand that you don’t have to wait until you’re at your absolute worst before seeking help. You are allowed to ask for help simply because you’re finding life difficult.
You don’t need to justify your pain before you deserve support.
What would you like to say to someone who may be silently struggling right now, and what message would you like families and friends to remember?
To the person who is silently struggling, I would say: please don’t convince yourself that, because you haven’t told anyone, nobody cares.
There are people who would want to know what you’re carrying. There are people who would rather sit with you in your darkest moment than find out later that you were struggling alone.
Whatever you’re feeling right now may feel permanent, but feelings can change, circumstances can change, and life can change. You don’t have to figure out your entire life today. Sometimes, the goal is simply to get through today and then allow tomorrow to come.
Please speak to someone. Even if all you can say is, “I’m not okay,” that is enough of a starting point.
And to families and friends, I would say: don’t underestimate the power of your presence. You don’t always need the perfect words. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, checking in, sitting beside someone, listening without judgement, and helping them access professional support can make an enormous difference.
Let’s stop waiting for people to become visibly broken before we decide that they need help. Sometimes, the people who look the strongest are carrying the heaviest things privately.
Mental health is everyone’s conversation, and suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Most importantly, people need to know that their lives have value, even in the moments when they struggle to see that value themselves.
