World Suicide Prevention Day: Supporting Mental Health for People Living with HIV
On 10 September each year, the world marks World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to remember lives lost, to support those who are struggling, and to remind ourselves that suicide can often be prevented when care, connection, and understanding are in place.
In Scotland, the reality is stark. In 2023, 792 people lost their lives to suicide, according to the National Records of Scotland—each a vital person, not just a statistic. Nearly three-quarters of those deaths were men, and rates were more than twice as high in our most deprived communities.
Suicide is complex, and rarely the result of a single event. More often, it arises from a combination of individual, community, and societal factors that interact to increase risk. Some groups face greater challenges to their mental health—and people living with HIV are among them.
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a chance we could have reached sooner with the right support.
HIV and Mental Health
The Positive Voices 2022 Survey Report –the largest study of people living with HIV in the UK—shows that while treatment has transformed physical health, mental health remains a huge challenge.
- 39% of people living with HIV reported ever having a mental health diagnosis, usually depression or anxiety.
- 22% had current symptoms of depression or anxiety on the day of the survey.
- Almost half (48.1%) reported anxiety or depression, compared with 33% in the general global population.
Poor mental health goes far beyond low mood; it is strongly linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Steven, from Glasgow, explained what it felt like when first being diagnosed with HIV:
StevenI struggled to believe that treatment had improved. I think a lot of people still carry the hangover from the 90s—the trauma and stigma from that time. Even though the science is there, people don’t always believe it, and that affects your mental health.
Why People Living With HIV At Greater Risk
The reasons are complex, but the survey, which included interviews with people with lived experience, highlights some key factors:
- Stigma and discrimination – almost half felt ashamed of their HIV status, 1 in 3 reported low self-esteem, and some avoided healthcare or faced negative treatment because of HIV.
- Social isolation and lack of support – many people had limited social support, and use of HIV peer support services has dropped since 2017.
- Unmet needs – around 1 in 4 had unmet HIV-related needs, and more than a third had unmet social or welfare needs, including housing, finances, and loneliness.
- Other long-term health conditions – as the HIV population ages, many are living with multiple chronic conditions, adding to stress and mental health burden.
- Experiences of violence and trauma – over 1 in 4 had experienced physical violence, and 1 in 7 had been sexually assaulted, with higher rates among younger people, gay and bisexual men, and trans and non-binary people.
- Unequal access to care. HIV-specific support within mental health services is patchy, with rural areas especially disadvantaged for in-person services.
How Waverley Care can support people living with HIV
Living with HIV can sometimes feel isolating, especially when stigma or barriers to support get in the way. At Waverley Care, we believe by offering inclusive services, reducing stigma, and sharing information grounded in lived experience, we create safe spaces where people can access the care, respect, and community they need.
That’s why we provide 1-1 and peer support services for people living with HIV and their loved ones. These are delivered by our trained Peer Mentors, who draw on their own lived experience of HIV to walk alongside others on their journey.
Our Peer Mentors provide emotional support by listening without judgment, social support to reduce isolation and build confidence, and practical guidance for navigating treatment, relationships, and daily life with HIV. Time and again, we see peer support transform fear into confidence and isolation into community.
In our experience, peer support is one of the most powerful tools for helping people engage in HIV care and treatment.
Agnes, one of our peer-support mentors, explains:
AgnesA doctor or nurse can give you the facts, but when you hear it from someone also living with HIV, it has a different punch. People think, ‘If she can do it, I can too.’ Peer support gives people hope—and hope saves lives.
Steven adds:
“If I had spoken to someone living with HIV when I was diagnosed, it would have reassured me I wasn’t going to die. HIV is easy to treat physically, but the stigma means the moral and emotional side can be harder. The best thing you can do is show compassion.”
Our Commitment
“At Waverley Care, we know that the right support can make all the difference. Too many people living with HIV continue to face stigma, isolation, and challenges to their mental health, and these struggles can increase the risk of suicide.
“That’s why we’re committed to creating safe spaces, offering peer support, and working alongside communities to break down barriers. Whether you are living with HIV, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help”
Christopher Ward, National Operations Manager, Waverley Care
Practical Advice & Support
For people living with HIV
- Ask your GP about mental health screening.
- Access peer and group support through organisations such as Waverley Care.
- Build daily habits that support wellbeing, such as journaling, walking, creative expression, or mindfulness.
- Remember by being on effective treatment, you can live long and healthy lives.
For friends, families, and allies
- Listen without judgment.
- Learn about HIV, use non-stigmatising language (see our Language Guide), and remind them that support is available.
- Don’t forget to look after your own wellbeing too.
Accessing additional support
If you’re struggling or worried about someone else, support is always at hand:
- In immediate danger? Call 999.
- NHS 24 Mental Health Hub – Call 111 (24/7)
- Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) Service – Up to 14 days of support, starting within 24 hours of referral. You can self-refer by calling the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub via the details above.
- Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7)
- Breathing Space Scotland – 0800 83 85 87 (16+, free, confidential)
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Daily 5pm–midnight via phone, webchat, or WhatsApp.
Take action today
Don’t face HIV or mental health challenges alone. Reach out to Waverley Care today for support, guidance, and connection—use our contact form to get in touch.