Introducing our new campaign
What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?
Suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.
What if I say the wrong thing? Could I make the situation worse? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and would look foolish to bring it up?
But here’s something lots of people don’t realise.
Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.
Our new campaign is about normalising the idea of talking about suicide - and giving people the confidence to do so.
This is the start of our country’s biggest ever conversation about suicide.
Introducing our ambassadors
Our campaign is led by four people who all have experience of suicide. They’ve either lost a loved one, made an attempt or planned to take their life. They have all shared their own stories, and in particular how they found hope.
Seonaid
Seonaid lost her son Dylan (18) to suicide, and wishes someone could have asked him if he wanted to end his life.
Ross
After difficult times, Ross made a plan to die by suicide. His friend Megan stepped up to provide support and friendship.
Clare
Clare knew her nephew Gerry was struggling, but didn’t know asking about suicide might have prevented it.
Laura
Laura attempted to take her life three times. She knows talking about suicide is a way of keeping her safe.
You don’t need to be an expert. The most important thing you can do is listen.
Find information
Organisations across Scotland are joining our new directory of suicide prevention services. Find out what help is available in your area.
Watch The conversation
Our campaign ambassadors wrote a letter to help them think about what people need to know about suicide. Seonaid, Ross, Clare and Laura came together to read their letters, and reflect on the most important conversation you could ever have.
Seonaid
“I wish that you’d been able to share what you were thinking and feeling.”
Ross
“You didn't judge...you were there to listen and make me feel a little less alone.”
Clare
“Gerry did talk, I did listen, but I never thought to ask him about suicide.”
Laura
“Talking about how you’re feeling is really hard, but it’s the bravest thing you’ll do."
Join The conversation
Find more content, amazing stories and supportive communities with Suicide Prevention Scotland on social media.
I wish someone, anyone, had been able to ask you, are you thinking about suicide.
Read all of the 'What if...' letters
Choose a letter you would like to read from Seonaid, Ross, Clare or Laura
If you can just hang on for one more day, that day will turn into two. Before you know it, you will have managed to stay alive for longer than you ever imagined.
Lead campaign film with BSL
Working with Deaf Action, we've also published a British Sign Language translation of our lead campaign film which you can watch right here.
Closed captions are available on all of our video content.
What if is a campaign from Suicide Prevention Scotland.
It’s been co-produced by people with lived and living experience of suicide, and follows the principles of Time Space Compassion.
Read the campaign announcement, here.