My Reflections on World Suicide Day 2025
- Martin Bunker
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Tl;dr - Here are my thoughts, from a neurodivergent man's perspective on, Wednesday 10th September 2025, which is World Suicide Prevention Day 2025.
Today—10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day—gives me a moment to pause and speak directly from the heart. As a neurodivergent man, AuDHD, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia, I carry the weight of expectations: to stay strong, not show doubt, and “get on with it.” But for countless men across the UK, behind that stoic exterior, the reality is often a storm of isolation, anxiety, and despair with little or no support available to them!
The Facts & Figures
So, firstly, let’s look at some of the facts. In England and Wales in 2023, suicide claimed 6,069 lives, equating to a rate of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people—the highest number of registered suicides since 1999.
But the figures for men are even more alarming:
Men accounted for approximately three-quarters of all suicides—about 4,506 men versus 1,563 women
The male suicide rate stood at 17.4 per 100,000, compared with just 5.7 per 100,000 for women
In regions like Wales, the disparity is even larger: men had a rate of 22.0 per 100,000, against 6.3 per 100,000 for women
Men aged 45–49 face the highest risk, with suicide rates around 25 per 100,000
Put simply: men are roughly three times more likely to die by suicide than women across the UK. Suicide is now the leading cause of death among men under the age of 50.
Please remember that these aren’t just statistics—they are brothers, fathers, sons, friends and colleagues! People silently struggling, weighed down by isolation, societal expectations, stigma, or a feeling that reaching out is failure. And often, they're in environments—workplaces, schools, families—where men are told to “just get on with it,” or "man up" and not to burden others with their pain. But it doesn’t have to stay this way.
What Can Help?
We’ve learned that one simple act of connection can change everything. According to Samaritans, 60% of people with lived experience said their suicidal thoughts were interrupted by someone close to them, and 14% said it was by a stranger. Stopping to ask, “Are you okay?” or listening without judgment can literally interrupt a moment that feels insurmountable.
I volunteered for the Samaritans in my 30s. It was, simultaneously, one of the most difficult but also rewarding things I've ever done. However, I was struck by the amount of women who called in compared to the number of men. Especially as this is stark contrast to the proportion of men who sadly end their lives!
Why it Matters
Sadly, men, and particularly neurodivergent men, are disproportionately affected by suicidal deaths:
Three in four suicide deaths in England and Wales in 2023 were men.
Men had a suicide rate of 17.4 per 100,000, nearly three times the rate for women.
In fact, it’s the number one cause of death for men under 50.
Autistic individuals face between a 3-7 times higher risk of death by suicide, compared to neurotypical men (Hirvikoski et al., 2020)
People with ADHD have a 3.2 times higher risk of suicide death (Dalsgarrd et al., 2020)
It is thought that this risk is actually linked to unmet needs, stigma and systemic barriers and NOT the neurodivergence itself
A caring conversation—even from a stranger—can interrupt suicidal thoughts!
What to Do
So today, I’m speaking directly—not just as a voice of awareness, but as someone who believes in the power of community, strength, and vulnerability—to say:
You are not alone - Your feelings matter. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now.
Talking isn’t weakness - It’s strength. Courage isn’t a silent burden—it’s sharing what’s real.
Reach out - Call a friend, call Samaritans at 116 123 (available 24/7 across the UK), or find professional support through your GP or local mental health services.
Let's also remember: checking in matters. If you sense a friend or someone at work has changed—pull them aside, lend an ear. That simple action might just be the difference between despair and connection.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s shift the narrative. Let’s redefine strength to include vulnerability. Let’s hold space for one another. Because talking can save lives—and real connection starts with you.
Stay with us, friend. Your life really matters!
You can support The Samaritans or find resources from them here: World Suicide Prevention Day | Campaigns | Samaritans
References/Links:
Comments