'Are You Feeling Suicidal?': we ask a simple question that could save a life
On World Suicide Prevention Day we're launching a special programme to change the narrative on suicide.
It's a question that for too long has been wrapped in stigma, shame and ignorance.
But now it's one we're asking openly:
"Are you feeling suicidal?"
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day Planet Rock is hosting a special programme to change the narrative on suicide conversations, by explaining how that simple question could, in fact, help save lives.
Is it OK to ask a friend about suicide?
Planet Rock's Senior Correspondent and journalist Mick Coyle is fronting the programme at 1pm on 10th September.
He's been discussing mental health on the radio for more than a decade, including more than 350 episodes of the Mental Health Monday podcast.
He says World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 is about drawing a line in the sand: "For years we've talked about awareness when it comes to suicide, but the numbers of deaths is still at more than 7000 a year in the UK. Now its about action.
"The experts are telling us that asking the simple question 'Are you feeling suicidal?' to someone who is expressing distress or despair can actually help them frame their thoughts about their emotions and get them the help they need. But how many people in the general population know that?
"As a radio station, we're in a great place to be able to explain how that works and how listeners can use it in their lives - should the moment require it.
"This is a game-changing hour of radio and there's nowhere I'd rather do it."
The one-hour special features a host of special guests sharing their stories about suicide, loss and finding hope when all feels lost.
Ex- Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley
Ex-Iron Maiden frontman and Planet Rock presenter Blaze Bayley is a massive advocate for talking about mental health.
Speaking on the programme he said: “This is so important to me. I’ve suffered myself… with suicidal thoughts, with severe depression. I’ve been very close twice causing my own death.”
“Why not ask a question? A simple question… Are you feeling suicidal?”
Listen to Blaze's interview in full here
Broadcaster Paris Munro
Paris is a broadcaster, who has had to live within the shadow of suicide, and has recently experienced suicidal thoughts.
He joins Mick in the studio to talk about his experiences with brutal honesty.
He says "I’m still here, and I’m still working through it, but the important thing is that we’re here and we’re still talking.
“It’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to ask for help.
“Asking for help is the best thing you can do.
“You’re not alone. We’re all going through something. It’s just some people are more vocal about it.”
Listen to the full interview between Mick Coyle and Paris Munro here
Suicide stories: John Gibson
John tragically lost his son Cameron to suicide in 2019. In the following weeks, months and years, John himself began to have suicidal thoughts.
He tells Mick he knows how important a conversation can be when you're at your lowest.
“Without any shadow of a doubt, it could be the difference between life and death.”
John advocates for what he calls the "double bounce technique" when it comes to asking someone about their true thoughts and feelings, telling Mick “I encourage people not just to have the skills to ask the question directly, but then to ask it again.”
You can find out more about John's work in Scotland with the Canmore Trust.
John said: “What the Canmore Trust is about… is community and finding someone with whom you can just have an honest and sometimes life-changing conversation.”
You can listen to the full conversation between Mick and John here
Suicide stories: Jake Mills
Jake's suicide attempt in 2013 didn't end his life.
More than a decade on he is the living epitome of how suicidal thoughts don't have to mean a lifetime of misery and unhappiness.
He's turned his experience into an opportunity to support others - and knows the value of a simple conversation
He tells the programme "Give yourself a chance. Give it a chance. What have you got to lose?
“I don’t think the door ever closes (on suicidal thoughts) but I don’t think it necessarily has to, because I’ve now built a life that actually talks so openly about it.
“We're just trying to really normalise and humanise this conversation — because that’s what’s going to make the difference.”
Listen to the full conversation with Jake Mills here
CALM expert Wendy Robinson
Wendy is from the Campaign Against Living Miserably, and our special programme's resident expert.
CALM are one of the UK's leading mental health charities and are always looking for new ways to start what might feel like difficult conversations.
You can find out more about their Conversation Coach and CARE resources, as well as links to their help and support lines on their website
Wendy says the programme can inspire real change and people shouldn't be fearful of discussing suicide.
She tells Mick Coyle: “It’s not about having all the answers. Because seriously, it isn’t. It’s about starting the conversation.”
"For example 'I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself… what’s going on? Do you want to tell me about it? I’m here to support you. I’m going nowhere.'
Listen to the full conversation with Wendy Robinson here:
Dr Heather McClelland
Dr Heather is from the University of Glasgow and has worked closely with the 'Are You Feeling Suicidal?' team to make sure the programme delivers its important message safely and effectively.
She has years of expertise in studying the social aspects of suicide, and has been liaising with Mick Coyle behind the scenes about how a show like this can make the biggest difference to people across the UK.
“You could save a life. You honestly could. It may not be at that moment, but you could save a life down the road.”
“The skill is ultimately… having the confidence to start that conversation, whether you’re the person experiencing the distress or the person suspecting it — but also listening.”
“You’re not expected to have the answers. It’s just that you care.”
Listen to the full conversation with Dr Heather here
World Health Organisation expert backs our show
The programme is about normalising the conversation on suicide, which is why we're bringing so many people together to make it happen.
It can feel taboo, or a little bit scary, so that's we're bringing experts on board to make sure we get it right
We've reached out the world's leading experts when it comes to suicide prevention to give our special programme the greenlight - and to make sure its backed by the latest science.
Professor Ella Arensman is co-director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Surveillance and Research in Suicide Prevention, and Chief Scientist at the National Suicide Research Foundation in Ireland.
When it comes to asking the question 'Are You Feeling Suicidal she told Mick Coyle: "I fully support that.
"And it's not only me, it's also the evidence, the evidence from intervention programmes, from awareness and skills based training programs in which many of us, my colleagues here, have been involved in for a number of decades.
"They're sometimes surprised that the question is being asked.
Should I ask about suicide?
"For the person on the other side having these thoughts, it's almost a relief. Finally someone is asking the question about self-harm, suicidal thoughts of which they have been thinking for weeks and sometimes months.
"If we want to take the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day seriously, which is changing the narrative, then I think we urgently need to become much more proactive in our communication with people who may possibly be thinking of self-harm or suicide.
"Be as direct as possible because evidence has shown that this can be a turning point and also an important starting point for somebody's trajectory to prevent suicide and self harm."
Signposting
If you've been impacted by any of the issues in our programme, you can check out CALM's website which includes links to its helpline.
There are also resources to help you coach yourself through starting a conversation with a friend about suicide.
If you want to find services local to you – check out the Hub of Hope and it’ll help you connect with services where you live.
If you prefer to text you can text the word SHOUT to 85258 and one of their volunteers will respond via messaging.
You can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.
And you can listen again to this whole programme on the Rayo App.
Whatever you’re facing, you're not alone.