Change the narrative

Date Published: 10/09/2025

World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th of September, provides the opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

“Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide — with devastating and far-reaching impacts on families, friends, workplaces, and communities, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, support, and systemic change.

By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.” IASP, 2025.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has chosen the theme ‘Change the Narrative‘ to encourage open and honest discussion about suicide and suicidal behaviour. To recognise this, our team recently completed Suicide First Aid training, kindly delivered by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) accredited trainer Christine Clark.

PANS PANDAS UK comprises staff members and volunteers, many of our lives have been affected by PANS, PANDAS, neurodivergence or times of mental distress. Together, we strive to support other families and individuals navigating similar journeys. Christine worked with us to encourage constructive conversation and shared valuable tips and tools for supporting ourselves and our community.

How we can support you

When you are part of the PANS PANDAS UK community, you do not have to face your PANS or PANDAS journey alone. We offer online and in-person support groups, and our volunteers run a dedicated private Facebook support group.

Discover our support groups

How you can support others

To help change the narrative and stigma around suicide, you can demonstrate awareness and understanding by sharing IASP’s resources on your social media on Wednesday 10th September – World Suicide Prevention Day. Don’t forget the hashtag #StartTheConversaton

Social media resources

Other support available

As a small charity, we are aware that we do not yet have the resources to provide the high level of support required by our underfunded and under-recognised community. While we strive to develop our support and advocacy options through investments, trusts, and grant applications, we recognise that you may need support now. We have created a support hub featuring many other organisations, who are also here to support you and your family.

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Glossary

  • ADHD
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • AE
    Auto-immune Encephalitis
  • ARFID
    Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
  • ASD
    Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • CAMHS
    Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
  • CBT
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Dysgraphia
    difficulty writing by hand
  • EHCP
    Education, Health and Care Plan
  • Emotional Lability
    Rapid, and dramatic changes in mood (for example uncontrollable laughter to crying)
  • Enuresis
    wetting
  • GAS
    Group A Streptococcal infection
  • NHSE
    NHS England
  • NICE
    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
  • OCD
    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • PP
    PANS PANDAS
  • PPUK
    PANS PANDAS UK
  • PPN
    PANS Physicians Network
  • PPSG
    PANS PANDAS Steering Group
  • SENCo
    Special Educational Needs Coordinator
  • SIGN
    Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network to the glossary
  • Tic
    Sudden repetitive movement (motor tic) or sound (vocal tic) which is difficult or impossible to control