National Suicide Prevention Month: Creating Space for Hope and Connection
If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 crisis support.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month- a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people that support is available. Talking about suicide can feel scary but avoiding the conversation can leave individuals feeling more alone.
Recent Suicidal Data
Suicide is real and is the leading cause of death in the United States that affects people of all ages. The CDC reported suicide was responsible for 48,824 deaths in 2024. Additionally, in 2024, an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 4.6 million planned a suicide attempt, and 2.2 million attempted suicide. Some groups have higher suicide rates than others. Rates are highest among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people, followed by non-Hispanic White people. Veterans, people in rural areas, and those working in jobs like mining and construction also have higher rates. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors than their heterosexual peers.
Suicide prevention is not about having the perfect words but creating a safe space for hope and connection for individuals who are struggling with emotional pain.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters?
Most of the time an individual experiencing suicidal thoughts does not openly express their emotions and feelings. Having awareness can help us understand that mental health struggles are not always obvious. That is why checking in with people around us and creating an environment where asking for help is accepted-matters.
Warning Signs Someone May Be Struggling
Changes in mood and behavior can indicate that a person needs additional support.
Here are some possible warning signs to look out for:
Suddenly appearing unusually calm after a period of significant distress
Increase use of alcohol or other substances
Talking about death or suicide
Expressing that life is not worth living
Significant decrease in mood or behavior
Saying goodbye in unusual ways
Withdrawing from friends and family
Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
Extreme hostile or violent behaviors
These signs dont necessarily mean someone is suicidal, but they can be reasons to reach out and check in.
How To Check In With Someone?
If you are concerned about someone, you do not need to have the exact right words to use.
You can say:
“I have noticed you’ve seemed differently lately. How are you doing?” or “You seem like you are carrying a lot. I am here if you want to talk”
If you are concerned about someone having suicidal thoughts its okay to ask directly. Talking about suicide does not make someone suicidal.
You can say:
“Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
It's important to stay present in the moment and listen without judgement when checking in on someone. Do not try to solve their problem immediately or convince them that everything will be okay.
Instead of saying:
“You have so much to be grateful for.” or “Things could be worse”
Try saying:
“I'm sorry you're hurting. I'm here to listen.” or “It sounds like things have been really difficult for you.”
The message can be that you don't need to fix someone's pain—you can listen, validate, and help them connect with support.
Encourage Professional Support
When someone is struggling, encourage them to connect with people and resources that can provide appropriate support.
A therapist or other mental health professional can help someone explore difficult emotions, develop coping strategies, and work through challenges that may feel impossible to manage alone.
If someone is in immediate danger or has already taken steps to harm themselves, don't leave them alone. Contact emergency services or seek immediate medical attention.
In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service provides free, confidential crisis support 24/7.
Are You The One Struggling?
If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, you don't have to handle them by yourself.
You may not feel ready to tell everyone what you're going through. Start with one person you trust—a friend, family member, therapist, doctor, or crisis counselor.
You deserve support even if you aren't sure your situation is “serious enough.”
Reaching out isn't a sign of weakness. It is a way of making sure you don't have to carry something painful alone.
Prevention Is About More Than September
Suicide prevention isn't limited to one month of the year.
It can be part of the way we care for one another every day: checking in, listening without judgment, taking mental health concerns seriously, challenging stigma, and making it easier for people to ask for help.
Sometimes a simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door to a conversation that someone desperately needs.
This September, consider making space for those conversations. Suicide prevention begins with connection. It begins when we listen, when we take someone's pain seriously, and when we remind one another that asking for help is a sign of courage—not weakness.
What Should I Do Next?
Take a moment to check in with your loved ones, remind them you’re proud of them, offer a hug, and let them know they’re never alone.
Spread the word: Your mental health matters, you deserve to be here and you are enough. Your background, upbringing, and culture does not define your importance.
Don’t forget to check in with yourself. If you are feeling unsure whether or not you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we are here to help. Our therapists can provide that safe, non judgmental space to talk through your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. The therapist can also help you create a safety plan to utilize while navigating suicidal feelings and urges.
Intentional Therapy provides ongoing outpatient individual therapy and anxiety and depression therapy.
Intentional Therapy is not a crisis-response service, and website inquiries are not monitored continuously. Use 988, 911, or emergency care for urgent risk.
For non-emergency ongoing support, submit a therapy inquiry. For a current crisis, call or text 988 now.
Frequently asked questions
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No. Research summarized by NIMH shows that asking directly does not cause or increase suicidal thoughts.
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When immediate risk is present, stay with the person if you can do so safely and connect with 988, 911, or emergency care.
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Yes. 988 supports people in crisis and people worried about a loved one.
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Do not promise secrecy when safety is at risk. Involve appropriate crisis, emergency, clinical, or trusted support.
Current sources: NIMH five action steps; NIMH suicide FAQs; SAMHSA 988 FAQs; CDC suicide risk and protective factors.