September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Every September, the mental health community (and pretty much everyone else) talks about suicide prevention. It’s pushed across social media, marketing, and more, but these things often lack substance. Everyone is aware that suicide is something to be aware of and prevent where possible. However, there are a lot of roadblocks to this that are a bit more difficult to overcome than sharing an Instagram story or hashtag.
For one, just talking about suicide can be scary. Asking someone if they are thinking of harming themselves is never comfortable, but it can be one of the most important parts of addressing the issue. Many people fear that mentioning suicide may “put the idea in their mind”, but studies show that isn’t the case. Saying it out loud can open up space for that person to talk about their thoughts without shame or embarrassment.
Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
People experience suicidal thoughts in different ways, and there isn't one specific sign that means someone is suicidal. However, certain changes in what someone says, feels, or does may be worth paying attention to. You don't need to recognize every warning sign before reaching out.
What someone might say
Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
Saying they feel hopeless, trapped, empty, or like they have no reason to live
Talking about feeling like a burden to others
Expressing intense guilt, shame, or unbearable emotional or physical pain
Talking frequently about death or dying
Talking about revenge or expressing intense anger
Changes in behavior
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they normally enjoy
Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye to people
Putting their affairs in order, such as making a will
Taking unusual or dangerous risks
Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
Searching for information about suicide or ways to harm themselves
Making a plan or taking steps toward acting on suicidal thoughts
Changes in mood or routine
Becoming unusually anxious, agitated, or restless
Experiencing significant or sudden mood changes
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
A sudden shift from being extremely distressed to seeming unusually calm or at peace
None of these signs on their own can tell you exactly what someone is thinking or feeling. But if you notice significant changes it can be a reason to check in.
Resources: What To Do Next
Recognizing that someone may be struggling is an important first step, but you don't have to figure out the next step by yourself. What to do depends on the situation.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
988: If you are in the United States, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with a trained crisis counselor
If someone is having suicidal thoughts but is not in immediate danger
Listen without judgment, stay with them if possible, and help them connect with professional support
You can call or text 988 together, or help them find a mental health professional
If you are looking for ongoing mental health or substance use support
SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Find mental health and substance use treatment services in your area
211: Connect with local resources for things like housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other basic needs
Psychology Today and other provider directories: Search for mental health professionals and filter by location, specialty, insurance, and other needs.
You don't need to have the perfect words or know how to solve their problems. Check in, listen, and take their concerns seriously. If you're worried about suicide, it's okay to ask directly. Remember, supporting someone does not mean becoming their therapist or carrying the situation alone. You can care deeply about someone while also getting help from professionals and other people you trust.
Community Support
Financial stress, housing instability, food insecurity, difficulty accessing medications or healthcare, and other unmet basic needs can create overwhelming stress and make someone feel trapped or hopeless. Having access to reliable community resources can help reduce some of that pressure and give people a way to move forward can alleviate feelings of desperation and grief. Supporting local organizations, volunteering, donating, or simply knowing where to direct someone for help can strengthen the safety net around our communities.
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Suicide prevention needs to be more than a hashtag, an Instagram story, or a campaign that lasts for one month out of the year. Awareness matters, but what we do with that awareness matters more. This issue isn't something any one person can accomplish alone. It happens through conversations, professional support, access to basic needs, and communities where people feel seen and supported.