Sir, – Interruptions are often viewed as a nuisance, however this World Suicide Prevention Day, we are asking people to make one. Almost four in 10 people (39 per cent) are unaware that suicidal thoughts can be interrupted. Roughly 10 people die by suicide in Ireland each week, leaving families and communities struggling to cope. However, suicide is not inevitable and we can make a difference.If you think someone may be struggling, don’t worry about saying the perfect thing. Interrupt, ask if they are okay, show them you care, and listen to them. You never know what difference that human connection could make.We have these conversations every day. Last year, Samaritans volunteers in Ireland answered almost 350,000 calls for help from people in crisis or feeling suicidal. A stranger willing to talk and listen made all the difference, imagine the impact a friend or family member can have.Advice on how to start that conversation is at samaritans.org/interrupt. Anyone can contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123. – Yours, etc.SARAH O’TOOLE, Executive director, Samaritans Ireland,Dublin 8.