Every year during Suicide Prevention Month, people around the world come together to raise awareness, share hope, and remind each other that no one has to struggle alone. On World Suicide Prevention Day and throughout Suicide Awareness Month, we pause to talk about what suicide really means, the reasons people may feel suicidal, and how we can take small but important steps toward healing.
Suicide is complex. Behind rising suicide rates are real people – women, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, often carrying pain in silence. Some may live with functional depression (or functioning depression), which means they appear “fine” on the outside but struggle deeply on the inside. Others may be unsure of the suicide meaning or feel too afraid to reach out.
This is why talking openly about mental health matters. But what is mental health, really? Put simply, it’s the way our minds, emotions, and bodies work together to shape how we feel, think, and cope each day. When we face mental health issues or mental health problems, it can affect every part of life. Understanding the meaning of mental health, helps us see that needing support is normal, not shameful.
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are some steps you can take right now:
1. Reach Out for Support
It can feel frightening to speak up when you’re struggling, but reaching out is often the first step toward healing. Call or message a trusted friend, family member, or mentor and let them know how you’re feeling. You don’t need to explain everything at once. Even saying something as simple as, “I’m finding things hard right now,” can open the door to support.
When thoughts of feeling suicidal or hopeless grow heavy, connecting with another human being—even for a short conversation—can remind you that you’re not alone and that your life has meaning.
If you don’t feel you can turn to anyone you know, you can reach out to people who are trained and ready to listen to you:
- Download App – Stay Alive
- Call – Samaritans
- Text – Shout
2. Connect with Mental Health Services That Understand You
When looking for mental health help, many women from the global majority worry about whether their cultural background, faith, or lived experiences will be respected. That’s where The Maya Centre comes in.
We specialise in culturally sensitive therapy and psychoeducation workshops for women, especially those from low-income and diverse backgrounds. Our mental health services are free and designed to feel safe, welcoming, and empowering.
Through one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and workshops, our qualified therapists provide mental health support that honours your story and respects your identity. We understand the impact of racism, migration, poverty, and trauma, and we create spaces where women can explore their struggles without fear of judgement.
If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy is “for you,” know this: support is your right, and spaces like The Maya Centre exist to walk alongside you.
The Maya Centre is also part of Camden and Islington Suicide Prevention Partnership of over 100 organisations to help aid in suicide prevention.
3. Learn About Depression and Its Symptoms
Understanding what depression is, helps take away some of the shame. Depression isn’t just “feeling sad.” Common depression symptoms include:
- A deep, ongoing low mood
- Feeling tired or hopeless most days
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- Struggling with sleep, appetite, or concentration
For some, this may look like functioning depression – appearing okay on the outside while feeling broken on the inside. Knowing what depression is makes it easier to see that what you’re experiencing is not your fault.
The good news is that treatments, such as talking therapy, support groups, and self-care tools, can help. If you’re searching for help with depression, know that you don’t have to go through it alone.
4. Take Small Steps for Your Wellbeing
Even when it feels impossible, small steps matter. Looking after your wellbeing doesn’t always mean making big changes, it can start with gentle, doable actions like:
- Taking a short walk outside and noticing your surroundings
- Writing down your feelings in a journal
- Spending time in prayer, meditation, or stillness
- Reaching out to a supportive community or group
- Practising slow, deep breaths when your mind feels heavy
These steps don’t replace professional therapy or other support, but they are reminders that your healing can start with something small and being kind to yourself.
At The Maya Centre, we know how hard it can be to take the first step. That’s why we provide free psychoeducation workshops and group therapy, led by qualified therapists, to support women on their healing journey. Our sessions explore what mental health is, share tools for depression, and create safe, culturally rooted spaces where you can reconnect with hope and strength.
You don’t have to face this alone. To sign up for our upcoming psychoeducation workshop, please email our self-referrals team today at admin@mayacentre.org.uk.