Suicide Prevention Day Quiz — Powered By Diversity

Help is available

Speak with someone today, call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website

Please also see our list of free resources.

world Suicide prevention day quiz 2025

How much do you know about helping to prevent suicide in the UK today?

Test yourself with our Suicide Prevention Day 2025 quiz.

Do the quiz and scroll to the bottom for answers - feel free to use this quiz in your workplace as part of your Suicide Prevention Day activities.

Trigger warning: this quiz contains content and data that some people may find upsetting

QUESTIONS:

1. In the UK Suicide is a crime (which is why people sometimes say ‘committed suicide’).

A. True

B. False

2. The word ‘suicide’ is not considered politically correct anymore and it’s not advisable to use it.

A. True

B. False

3. When talking to someone you believe may be at risk, it’s not advisable to refer to suicide, as it could put the idea into their head.

A. True

B. False

4. How much more likely are males to die by suicide than females?

A. Roughly twice as likely

B. Roughly three times more likely

C. Roughly four times more likely

5. Of course, it isn’t always obvious, but many suicidal people show signs that indicate that they are thinking about suicide. Can you name at least three warning signs?

Name as many as you can.

You’ll find a list to refer to in the answer section.

6. Research has shown that what percentage of people who die by suicide will have a history of self-harm (intentional self-poisoning or self-injury)?

A. 30 - 40%

B. 40 - 50%

C. 50 - 60%

7. Of people who attempt suicide but do not die, what percentage will NOT attempt again in the future?

A. 50%

B. 70%

C. 90%

8. If you suspect someone is suicidal it’s only recommended that they talk to a trained professional, untrained friends and family might make matters much worse.

A. True

B. False

9. What is the global goal of World Suicide Prevention Day?

A. Raise awareness about mental illness

B. Encourage therapy

C. Educate about suicide prevention

D. Honour those lost to suicide

10. In the UK, how many more people die by suicide than in collisions on UK roads?

A. The same amount of people die by suicide as by road traffic accidents

B. Twice as many people die by suicide than road traffic accidents

C. Three times as many people die by suicide than road traffic accidents

world suicide prevention day quiz ANSWERS:

1. In the UK Suicide is a crime (which is why people sometimes say ‘committed suicide’).

The correct answer is:

B. False

Suicide did used to be illegal - and anyone who attempted suicide and survived could be at risk of imprisonment.

Suicide was decriminalised under the Suicide Act 1961, but the criminal implication still lingers in the language we use today.

Fact checker: NSPCC

2. The word ‘suicide’ is not considered politically correct anymore and it’s not advisable to use it.

The correct answer is:

B. False

As with all language, all individuals have their own preferences, but in the world of mental health it’s not the word ‘suicide’ which is the problem, it’s the notion of ‘committing’ or ‘trying to commit’ suicide. This associates suicide with committing a crime - and implicitly accuses the person of having done something wrong.

Any language which increases the stigma around suicide makes it harder for people who may be struggling to freely express their thoughts and seek help.

Instead, we are encouraged to use ‘died by suicide’ or ‘took their own life’.

Fact checker: NSPCC

3. When talking to someone you believe may be at risk, it’s not advisable to refer to suicide, as it could put the idea into their head.

The correct answer is:

B. False

Often people are reluctant to ask directly about suicide as they are afraid, they will “put the idea in someone’s head” or make the situation worse. In fact, talking about suicide does not put the idea in someone's head and usually they are relieved. Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Using the word "suicide" establishes that you and the person at risk are talking about the same thing and lets the person know that you are willing to talk about suicide.

Avoid asking in a way that indicates you want “no” for an answer e.g. “you’re not thinking about suicide are you?” or “You’re not going to do anything silly are you?”

Fact checker: SuicideIsPreventable.org

Resources: Samaritans Suicide Prevention Communication Guide

4. How much more likely are males to die by suicide than females?

The correct answer is:

B. Roughly three times more likely

The latest data for suicide rates is from 2023 where:

In England the male suicide rate was 17.1 per 100,000**, compared to a female suicide rate of 5.6 per 100,000**.

In Wales the male suicide rate was 22.0 per 100,000** compared to the female suicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000**.

In Scotland males are 3 times as likely to die by suicide than females.

Face checker: Samaritans and ONS

5. Of course, it isn’t always obvious, but many suicidal people show signs that indicate that they are thinking about suicide. Can you name at least three warning signs?

One point for each sensible answer people put down regardless of whether it is on the list. Below are some common warning signs:

NB this is not a complete list, if you are worried about somebody please find the support you and they need:

Talking about wanting to die or suicide
Researching/ looking for a way to end their life
Preoccupation with death – Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence.
Feeling hopeless, desperate, worthless or trapped
Giving away possessions
Putting affairs in order - making a will, showing people where important document are.
Saying goodbye – Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
Reckless behaviour
Uncontrolled anger/ uncharacteristic outbursts
Increased drug or alcohol use
Withdrawal from friends, family and/or activities once enjoyed
Anxiety or agitation
Changes in sleep (sleeping more or less than usual)
Sudden mood changes
No sense of purpose
Sudden sense of calm – A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide.

Fact checker: NHS

6. Research has shown that what percentage of people who die by suicide will have a history of self-harm (intentional self-poisoning or self-injury)?

The correct answer is:

C. 50 - 60%

Research has shown that approximately 50-60% of people who die by suicide will have a history of self-harm, defined as intentional self-poisoning or self-injury; indicating that self-harm is a key risk factor for suicide (Foster et al., 1997).

Previous findings also imply that the episode of self-harm will often take place shortly before the individual takes their own life (Gairin et al., 2003).

A similar study in North America found that approximately 50% of all people who die by suicide have previously self-harmed and that one in 25 patients presenting to the hospital for self-harm will complete suicide in the next 5 years (Carroll 2014).

7. Of people who attempt suicide but do not die, what percentage will NOT attempt again in the future?

The correct answer is:

C. 90%

Many people are under the impression that if someone wants to die by suicide they will find a way - no matter what we do to try and help. A but a recent Harvard Chan study has found that nine out of ten people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide at a later date.

A literature review (Owens 2002) summarised 90 studies that have followed over time people who have made suicide attempts that resulted in medical care. Approximately 7% (range: 5-11%) of attempters eventually died by suicide, approximately 23% reattempted non-fatally, and 70% had no further attempts.

Even studies that focused on medically serious attempts (O’Donnell 1994)–and studies that followed attempters for many decades found similarly low suicide completion rates. At least one study, published after the 90-study review, found a slightly higher completion rate. This was a 37-year follow-up of self-poisoners in Finland that found an eventual completion rate of 13% (Suominen 2004).

This relatively good long-term survival rate is consistent with the observation that suicidal crises are often short-lived, and that work we all do to try and prevent suicide can have a significant impact.

8. If you suspect someone is suicidal it’s only recommended that they talk to a trained professional, untrained friends and family might make matters much worse.

The correct answer is:

B. False

If a colleague, friend or family member is talking about suicide or showing other warning signs, don't wait to see if they start to feel better or hope someone else with training steps in to help. Talk about it. Ask them directly if they're having thoughts of suicide. Having someone care enough to ask these questions can help save their life.

Many people shy away from conversations about mental health because they feel like they need to be a certain way, or act like a counsellor, in order to help. Your friend likely wants to talk about their feelings to you because they trust you, feel like they can connect with you, think you can be a support or an outlet for their emotions, or simply find it easier to share with you than with others. Being you is just what’s needed in this situation, so show up as yourself and listen. You don’t need to solve anything - sometimes just caring enough to be there is a great start.