World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity to reflect in the stigma associated with suicide, and how we can change it. A mutual relationship has existed between stigma and suicide for a long time. For example, a death by suicide could result in stigmatising attitudes from others.

Equally, stigma towards people with a mental health difficulty could be an additional risk factor for suicide.

While attitudes and understanding have improved in more recent years, both suicide and mental health difficulties are still today burdened by negative attitudes. These can only be tackled by a marked change in individual and societal perception of these issues.