Suicide Awareness and Support
September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and reminding each of us that help and hope are always within reach. Suicide affects millions of people each year, not just those who experience thoughts of ending their lives but also the families, friends, and communities who love them.
This month is about connection, compassion, and reminding ourselves and others that no one has to go through their struggles alone.
Why Awareness Matters
Mental health challenges don’t always look the way we expect or how mental health is portrayed in the media/entertainment sectors. Someone can appear “fine” while quietly struggling with feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or despair. Talking about suicide openly can save lives by reducing shame and isolation by letting people know it’s okay to seek support.
By shining a light on this issue, we create space for:
Honest conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and increase open communication.
Community education about warning signs and risk factors.
Encouragement for people to reach out early for help.
Empowerment for friends and families to step in with care and support.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
It can feel intimidating to talk about suicide, but noticing potential warning signs can make a difference. Although this list is not exhaustive, some common signals include:
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden.
Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities.
Sudden mood changes, especially from despair to calmness.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Giving away belongings or saying goodbye in unusual ways.
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important not to ignore them.
Ways to Get Support
1. Reach Out to Someone You Trust
Sometimes the hardest step is telling someone how much pain you’re in. Talking to a friend, family member, mentor, or spiritual leader can create relief and connection. This allows for more connection and open conversations about what you are going through and not working through your pain alone and in isolation.
2. Connect with Professional Help
Therapists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and support groups provide safe, nonjudgmental spaces to share what you’re going through. Mental health professionals can help you build coping skills and develop a plan for safety and healing.
3. Use Crisis Resources
If you’re in the U.S. and experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You’ll be connected to trained crisis counselors who are available 24/7.
You can also use text and chat options through 988 or visit their website.
More resources are listed below as well.
4. Lean on Community and Peer Support
Local nonprofits, hotlines, and peer-led groups provide connection with people who have lived experience. These supports can help you feel less alone. You can search your local mental health board for local resources, or larger national organizations like NAMI and the National Institute of Mental Health.
5. Build a Safety Plan
If you’ve had suicidal thoughts, creating a safety plan can help in collaboration with a mental health professional. Write down:
Warning signs that a crisis might be developing.
Coping strategies you can try on your own.
People and places that bring you comfort.
Crisis numbers and professional supports to call.
Ways to Give Support to Others
You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference in someone’s life. A few ways to help include:
Listening without judgment. Sometimes the best gift is your presence. You don’t and won’t always have the right answers, and that is okay.
Asking directly if they are thinking about suicide. Research shows this does not “plant the idea” but can open the door to safety.
Staying connected and checking in regularly with your support network of friends, (chosen) family, and professionals.
Encouraging professional help and offering to assist with finding resources.
Getting trained in Mental Health First Aid is a great way to learn more about mental health and what lay persons can do to help support mental health in their homes, families, communities, and work places. You can check out more information on MHFA here.
You Are NOT Alone
National Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that mental health struggles are part of being human—and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re the one struggling or you’re worried about someone else, know that support is available.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 right away or go to your closest emergency room.
For confidential, 24/7 support in the U.S., call or text 988.
You can also check out these websites and resources as well for more individualized needs of marginalized and specific locale communities:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Marin County Mental Health Resources
Franklin County Mental Health Resources
The Trevor Project- LGBTQ+ Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
BIPOC Specific Crisis Resources
If you are wanting to get started with therapy, please send an email or click the “Client Portal” at the top of the page to get registered to start your healing journey.