Holding Hope on World Suicide Prevention Day
Why This Day Matters
Every year, on 10 September, the world comes together for World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to raise awareness of the devastating impact of suicide and to remind ourselves that prevention is possible when compassion and community come first. Behind every statistic is a human story—someone’s daughter, sister, mother, or friend.
Globally, suicide claims over 700,000 lives each year. Yet many more attempt it, and countless others live in silence, weighed down by thoughts of ending their lives. For women experiencing abuse, that silence can feel especially heavy. It is often filled with fear of not being believed, fear of bringing shame to the family, or fear of never breaking free.
The Hidden Burden of Abuse
At Anah Project, we see how experiences of domestic abuse, forced marriage, and honour-based violence affect women’s mental health in ways that are not always visible. Abuse does not only wound the body—it shapes how a woman sees herself, her worth, and her future.
For Black and minoritised women, the layers of stigma can run even deeper. Cultural expectations, racism, and community pressure can all combine to create an overwhelming sense of isolation. In these circumstances, despair can feel like the only escape.
But despair is never the full story. Survival, resilience, and courage live alongside it. When women step through our doors, they often carry both pain and possibility. Our role is to hold hope for them when they cannot hold it for themselves.
The Power of Listening
One of the simplest yet most powerful tools for suicide prevention is listening. Truly listening. Too often, women in abusive situations are told to keep quiet, to endure, to avoid “bringing shame.” Breaking this silence is life-saving.
Listening without judgement tells someone: you matter, your pain is real, and you are not alone. That moment of connection can interrupt a spiral of hopelessness and open the door to seeking help.
Creating Safe Spaces
Anah Project exists as more than a refuge—it is a space where women can breathe again, rebuild their confidence, and begin to imagine a future free from violence. Safety is not only physical; it is emotional and psychological.
When a woman begins to believe that she has choices, that her story matters, and that she deserves peace, the grip of suicidal thoughts can loosen. Our work is not about quick fixes—it is about walking with her, step by step, until she can carry her hope again.
A Shared Responsibility
World Suicide Prevention Day is not only for charities, professionals, or policymakers. It belongs to all of us. Each of us can play a role in prevention: by reaching out, by checking in, by refusing to look away when someone is struggling.
Ask yourself:
- Who in your life might need more than a casual “How are you?” today?
- How can you help create spaces where people feel safe to speak honestly about their struggles?
- What small act of kindness could remind someone that they are not invisible?
Holding Hope Together
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, Anah Project stands alongside survivors and those still suffering. We honour the lives lost, and we recommit ourselves to offering women not just safety, but hope.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know: you are not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, a support service, or to us. Your life matters. Your tomorrow is worth holding on to.
