September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the often invisible struggles people face and to inspire collective action for prevention. Each year, countless individuals struggle with suicidal thoughts, and for many, the pain they experience feels insurmountable. The loss of a life to suicide is devastating—not just for the individual, but for families, friends, and communities. However, it is important to remember that suicide is preventable.
As we move through September, we have an opportunity to start important conversations, share resources, and promote healing and hope for those at risk. By breaking down stigma and increasing understanding, we can create an environment where people feel safe to reach out for help.
Understanding Suicide: What the Numbers Say
Suicide is a complex issue, impacted by mental health, life circumstances, trauma, and more. Globally, it is a leading cause of death, particularly among young people and marginalized groups. In the U.S., suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with over 45,000 lives lost each year. While these numbers are alarming, they also serve as a powerful reminder that every life touched by suicide represents a call to action. Prevention is possible.
The Importance of Awareness and Early Intervention
One of the biggest barriers to suicide prevention is the stigma surrounding mental health. Many people suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions feel ashamed to ask for help. This silence can lead to isolation, which intensifies feelings of hopelessness and despair.
By raising awareness and starting conversations about mental health and suicide, we can encourage individuals to seek help early—before their distress becomes overwhelming. Early intervention plays a critical role in suicide prevention, as addressing mental health struggles early can prevent them from escalating to a crisis point.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide
While every person’s experience with mental health challenges is different, there are common warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk of suicide. Being able to recognize these signs can help save lives. Some of the most common warning signs include:
Withdrawal from activities or social connections: If someone begins pulling away from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign of emotional distress.
Drastic changes in behavior or mood: Unexplained anger, irritability, sadness, or swings in mood might suggest internal struggles.
Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness: Phrases like “I feel like a burden” or “There’s no way out” may indicate someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Preoccupation with death: Statements about death, writing or talking about suicide, or researching ways to end their life can be strong indicators of a crisis.
Risky behaviors: Increased substance use, reckless actions, or dangerous behavior may point to underlying feelings of despair.
Sudden calmness after extreme distress: If someone who has been struggling suddenly becomes very calm or happy, it could indicate that they’ve made the decision to attempt suicide and have found a sense of resolve.
If you notice these signs in someone, it’s important to take them seriously and act quickly.
How to Help: Steps You Can Take
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to help someone who is struggling. Being a compassionate and supportive friend, family member, or coworker can make a world of difference. Here are some practical steps to take if you suspect someone is considering suicide:
Listen Without Judgment: Creating a safe space for someone to talk about their feelings is essential. Let them know that they are heard, and you are there to support them, without minimizing their experience or offering solutions immediately.
Ask Directly About Suicide: It’s a common myth that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide might put the idea in their head. In fact, research shows that asking directly can provide relief and open the door for them to talk about their feelings. A simple question like “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” can be the first step in saving a life.
Offer Support and Encouragement: Let them know that their feelings are valid but temporary, and help is available. Reassure them that they are not alone in their struggle, and that you are here for them every step of the way.
Connect Them to Professional Help: Encourage the person to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or medical professional. If they are reluctant, offer to help them make an appointment or even go with them to their first session. You can also provide them with crisis resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)or Crisis Text Line (Text HELLO to 741741).
Follow Up: After the initial conversation, continue checking in on them. Knowing that someone genuinely cares can be incredibly powerful and may prevent future crises. Long-term support is critical in helping someone navigate through their struggles.
What to Do in a Crisis
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Call emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital for evaluation. Sometimes, in moments of crisis, quick action is necessary to ensure their safety. Having a plan in place for emergencies can be life-saving.
Addressing Stigma: The Key to Change
One of the most significant obstacles to suicide prevention is the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Too often, people are afraid to talk about their struggles, worried that they will be judged, misunderstood, or shamed. This fear prevents them from seeking help. As a society, we must work to change the way we view mental health and suicide. Talking openly about mental health struggles helps normalize the experience and encourages those suffering in silence to reach out for support.
Building Resilience and Encouraging Self-Care
Prevention also includes empowering people to care for their mental health before they reach a crisis point. Encouraging self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, mindfulness, and positive social connections can help build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Teaching emotional regulation skills, stress management, and how to seek help early are all ways to support mental wellness.
Resources for Help and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many resources available to offer support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free crisis support via text.
Therapists and Counselors: Seeking help from a mental health professional can provide the tools and support necessary to manage overwhelming emotions.
At LG Counseling & Houston Brain Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help individuals navigate their mental health struggles. Our team of counselors and coaches is here to offer support, resources, and hope to those in need.
Take Action This September
This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer hope. Every conversation, every connection, and every gesture of kindness matters. You don’t have to wait until someone is in crisis to offer support—sometimes, just checking in with a friend or loved one can make all the difference. Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their struggle, and where every life is valued.
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