More Than Just a Month: Making Suicide Prevention a Year-Round Conversation

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mental health organizations around the nation unite to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues. September is an opportunity to help to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and improve access to resources.

September Starts the Conversation — Why does awareness matter?
Suicide can be difficult to talk about because of stigma, fear, or uncertainty about what to say. Dedicating a month to suicide prevention awareness initiates important conversations around mental health and suicidality. Raising awareness can help people recognize warning signs and make people feel more prepared with how to respond. While September is a crucial opportunity to talk about suicide and encourage people to seek help, it is only the beginning of the conversation. September shouldn’t be the only time we talk about suicide and check in on the people around us. Rather, it should be a time where we learn, educate others, and build habits that persist all year long.

Awareness starts with knowing what we’re actually looking for. What does suicide risk look like?

Understanding Suicide Risk — What should I know?
Suicide is complex and rarely attributed to one factor. Research highlights some warning signs and risk factors that can aid in identifying those that may benefit from additional support. Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will attempt or die by suicide, and warning signs may not be present in every situation.

Risk isn’t the whole story; connection and support matter, too. Protective factors reduce risk and build resilience.

Warning Signs of Suicide:

● Talking about wanting to die, great guilt or shame, having no reason to live, and/or being a burden to others
● Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, full of rage, and/or unbearable emotional or physical pain
● Changes in behavior, such as making a plan or researching ways to die, withdrawing from friends, preparatory acts (e.g., saying goodbye, giving away important items, making a will), taking dangerous risks (e.g., driving extremely fast), displaying extreme mood swings, eating or sleeping more or less, and/or using drugs or alcohol more often

Risk Factors for Suicide:

● Previous suicide attempt
● History of depression and other mental illnesses
● Difficulties with impulse control
● Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences
● Bullying, high conflict, or violent relationships
● Social isolation
● Lack of access or stigma associated with help-seeking, mental illness, and/or healthcare

Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention:

● Effective coping and problem-solving skills
● Reasons for living (e.g., family, friends, pets, etc.)
● Strong sense of cultural identity
● Social connectedness and support from partners, friends, and family
● Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions
● Availability of consistent and high quality physical and behavioral healthcare
● Cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide

Being knowledgeable on the subject is a great first step. Now, what does this look like in practice?

Supporting Someone Who May Be Struggling — What can I do?
Reaching out for social support is a sign of strength. If someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, there are actions you can take to help support them. The National Institute of Mental Health outlines these steps:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.

2. BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.

3. HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

September may start the conversation, but suicide prevention happens all year long. Checking in, listening, and helping someone connect with support are small actions that can make a meaningful difference.

Helpful Resources
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Provides access to 24/7, free, quality, one-on-one assistance through phone call, text message, or online chat for those experiencing crises or emotional distress.
● SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) offers free, 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental-health and substance-use concerns.
● Emergency support – If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
● Local resources – Be aware of the address and emergency contact information of your nearest hospital or emergency medical center in the case of crisis situations.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, May 26). Risk and protective factors for suicide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/risk-factors/index.html
Suicide prevention month. NAMI. (n.d.). https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/5-action-steps-to-help-someone-having-thoughts-of-suicide
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Warning signs of suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide