Reach In, Reach Out

In this World Suicide Prevention Day special, Dr Sandersan Onie is joined by psychiatrist and suicide prevention expert Dr Soumitra Pathare and Ireland’s national media and mental health lead Áine O’Meara to explore how the way we talk about suicide can influence stigma, help-seeking and public understanding. The conversation looks at the evidence behind responsible reporting, the potential harms of certain approaches, and how journalists, content creators and social media users can help change the narrative around suicide. Because changing the narrative isn’t about avoiding difficult conversations - it’s about having them with care, compassion and evidence. Please note: This episode and its content are the property of IASP. Unauthorised reproduction, distribution, scraping, or use for AI training or voice cloning is not permitted. Resources:  https://www.iasp.info/languageguidelines/ https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076846 https://cmhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Resource-3-Checklist-for-Media-Reporting-on-Suicide.pdf https://cmhlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Resource-2-SPIRIT-Media-Guidelines-for-Reporting-Suicides.pdf https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/media-monitoring-and-information 6a843262ffc1854a075aa0f8_Shine Media Monitoring Report 2025.pdf 67d9805bc13b71db100e40fb_3-The-Research-Behind-the-Resource.pdf 67d980ae2133bc2ed059347b_Reporting-Mental-Health-and-Suicide-Challenges-Facing-Journalists.pdf

Helplines are often the first, and sometimes only, point of support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Join host Dr Vikas Arya with CEO LifeLine International, Thilini Perera, and Co-Founder of Samacitta and Pukar Helpline, Dolly Sharma, as they explore the unique role helplines play in suicide prevention, from providing immediate, compassionate connection to overcoming barriers such as stigma, fear, and isolation. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

In this special episode, Professor Jo Robinson and Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar bring together a distinguished panel to discuss suicidal behaviour in women and girls in recognition of International Women's Day. Joining the conversation are leading experts Professor Keith Hawton, Professor Prabha Chandra, and Professor Ann John. The discussion explores persistently high suicide rates among women in low and middle-income countries, the concerning rise in self-harm among young women, and the intersecting pressures that shape risk, including domestic violence, financial stress, and major life transitions. IASP’s Suicide in Women and Girls Taskforce works to understand data trends, influencing factors and effective interventions around female suicidal behaviour to encourage the development of evidence-based, evaluated approaches and interventions to prevent suicide in women and younger girls. The taskforce consists of expertise from across the globe, from related research communities, lived experience and minority and vulnerable groups. Find out more. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Join host Professor Jo Robinson with Professor Matthew Spittal, Dr Ursula Whiteside, and Dr Salim Salmi as they examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in suicide prevention. Together, they explore the potential benefits and risks of AI, what the evidence does and doesn’t tell us about predicting and reducing suicide risk, and how evidence gaps shape trust and real-world use. A thoughtful conversation on innovation, ethics, and what responsible progress in AI and suicide prevention should look like moving forward. We acknowledge that this episode includes discussion of suicide methods, which some listeners may find distressing. While these conversations are intended to support understanding and prevention, we recognise the importance of approaching such topics with care to minimise the risk of harm. IASP promotes guidance on safe communication about suicide, encouraging responsible discussion that increases awareness and understanding of its complexities while prioritising safety and sensitivity. Find out more.  Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Join host, Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas and guest speaker Francisco Valenzuela as they discuss how Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work can quietly erode mental health, strain families, and elevate suicide risk if workplaces aren’t designed with human realities in mind. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. Francisco shares how FIFO environments create a high-risk ecosystem shaped by isolation, long rotations, masculine norms, fatigue, and limited access to care - and how those same systems can be redesigned to protect lives, strengthen culture, and improve the bottom line.

Join Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas with guest speaker Dr Colleen Saringer as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group.  Dr Colleen Saringer is a Workplace Culture and Mental Health Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, and Researcher. Drawing on her experience navigating the complexities of two family-owned construction businesses, she has seen firsthand how work and workplace culture can significantly influence mental health. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Join host Temitayo Eniola Omigbule in conversation with Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh and Merab Mulindi as they explore the vital role of communities in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide. In this episode, our guests share their experiences, highlighting the power of local engagement, culturally responsive support, and grassroots initiatives in fostering resilience and improving access to care. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

On this International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, we’re highlighting the power of lived experience in suicide prevention. This episode explores how personal experiences of suicide loss intersect with scientific knowledge to shape better understanding, research, and support.  Join our host, Professor Chan Lai Fong and special guest, Founder of AWAS Malaysia, Alia Ali, as they discuss the importance of meaningfully including and empowering people with lived experience, the challenges and ethical considerations involved, and how these insights can transform global suicide prevention efforts. Hear inspiring perspectives on how lived experience is challenging traditional approaches, guiding innovation, and giving hope for a future where science and personal insight work hand in hand. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

In this special World Suicide Prevention Day episode of the IASP Reach In, Reach Out podcast, IASP CEO Wendy Orchard is joined by guests Jetha Devapura, CEO and Founder of the CCC Foundation and creator of the Let’sTALK Program, and Dr Mohammed Audu, CEO and Founder of the Dr Mohammed Audu Foundation, Registrar of the Psychotherapeutic & Counseling Research Institute (PCRI) Nigeria, and Chairman of the Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA). Together, they explore this year’s theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, reflecting on the power of open dialogue, community-led initiatives, and global collaboration to challenge stigma and inspire hope. We acknowledge that certain language within this episode is problematic when discussing suicide. Safe language aims to reduce the risk of harm whilst increasing awareness and understanding of suicide and its complexities. IASP promotes a guide to language that does not vilify those who use terminology we advocate against, but encourages the adoption of preferred terminology. Find out more.  Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.

Join host, Dr Vikas Arya, with guests, Jayeta Biswas and Dr Victoria Helmly as they share their personal stories of suicide loss and bereavement.  Losing a loved one to suicide is painful and distressing, and it is important to look after yourself and prioritise your own self-care. Some organisations specialise in supporting those who have lost someone to suicide, and you can find these on our website here. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you. Further resources: https://widowsvoice.com/post/author/vhelmly/