World Suicide Prevention Day: 10 September 2025. Cerebral Palsy

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

September focuses on raising awareness about the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals living with mental health conditions.

Suicide is a pervasive issue that does not discriminate, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds. In 2023, the recorded rate across England and Wales was 11.4 deaths per 1,000 people, with the suicide rate for males standing at 17.1 per 1,000, compared to 5.6 per 1,000 for females (Office for National Statistics, 2024).

Shockingly, the disabled community is frequently underrepresented in discussions around this topic. Research indicates that individuals with disabilities are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than those without disabilities, based on data released in 2021.

For disabled men, the risk is three times higher, and for disabled women, four times higher.

In the UK, individuals with Cerebral Palsy face a heightened risk of mental health issues. Others often perceive them as resilient individuals who manage daily tasks effectively. While this perception can hold some truth—given the resilience the Cerebral Palsy community must cultivate to address their medical and social needs—it also masks the challenges they face.

Many non-disabled individuals tend to focus solely on the visible aspects of physical disabilities, viewing someone who uses a wheelchair or uses a mobility aid to attend work or social events as someone who is successfully navigating life. This perspective fails to acknowledge that individuals with disabilities often depend on family or friends for assistance with their physical needs, whether it involves round-the-clock care or transportation to work and appointments. This reliance can lead some people to feel a burden on others.

Beneath the physical demands that accompany daily life, individuals with Cerebral Palsy often deal with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, difficulty with memory retention, and chronic exhaustion. Over time, these challenges can significantly impact mental health. Conditions like depression and anxiety are frequently overlooked in those with Cerebral Palsy due to the phenomenon known as diagnostic overshadowing, where the emphasis on physical disabilities obscures attention to mental health issues.

Continued neglect of mental health issues within this community could result in individuals feeling hopeless or questioning their purpose in life. This is a significant concern that needs immediate attention.

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let us reflect on the experiences of individuals living with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities. Let’s look beyond the disability and acknowledge the whole person. We must recognise their voices and ensure they feel seen and heard within our communities.

If you need support with your mental health, please contact:

Disability Plus Counselling Service: 01932 881849

Samaritans: 116123

National Suicide Hotline: 0800 689 5652

Mind: 0300 102 1234

PAPRUS: 0800 068 4141

Shout UK: 85258

Young Minds: 0808 802 5544