September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—Here’s What You Need to Know
Each year, September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to bring light to a topic that is often kept in the dark and difficult to talk about. As a mental health therapist, I’ve sat with people navigating the quiet, overwhelming pain that often precedes suicidal thoughts. I’ve seen how powerful connection, support, and timely care can be. That’s why this month—and this blog—matters.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the CDC, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in 2023 alone. These numbers are heartbreaking—but not hopeless. Many suicides are preventable when we know what to look for, how to respond, and where to turn for help.
Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Matters
For those who have never experienced suicidal thoughts, it can be hard to understand. For those who have, this time of year can feel both validating and vulnerable. The goal of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to do more than just share statistics. It’s about shifting the way we talk about mental health—from something we hide, to something we confront with empathy and action.
Too often, people suffer in silence because they fear judgment, rejection, or being seen as a burden. By breaking the silence, we create space for people to share their pain without fear—and that space can be life-saving.
Understanding Suicide: It’s More Common Than You Think
Suicidal ideation doesn’t always look how you might expect. Some people struggling with thoughts of suicide continue to go to work, care for their families, and smile through their pain. This is why talking about it and bringing awareness is so important.
Common risk factors for suicide include:
Depression and other mental health conditions
Trauma or abuse (past or present)
Substance use issues
Serious physical health problems or chronic pain
Recent loss or major life transitions
Social isolation or lack of support
A family history of suicide or mental illness
Access to lethal means
These risk factors don’t mean someone will attempt suicide, but they do increase the chance. Knowing the signs helps us take meaningful, preventive steps.
Warning Signs to Watch For
While every situation is unique, there are some warning signs that someone may be in emotional crisis:
Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or having no reason to live
Withdrawing from relationships or activities they once enjoyed
Dramatic mood changes or increased irritability
Sleeping too much or too little
Giving away belongings or making “final” plans
Expressing feelings of guilt, shame, or being a burden
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Saying things like “You’d be better off without me”
If you notice any of these signs in a friend, family member, or client, take them seriously. You don’t need to be a therapist to offer support—you just need to be present and willing to listen.
What You Can Do
Here are a few practical ways to support someone who may be struggling:
Start the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask directly, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Contrary to common myths, this does not plant the idea—it opens the door to safety and connection.
Listen without judgment. Let them talk. You don’t need to offer solutions. Just showing that you care can make a powerful difference.
Stay with them or help them find immediate support. That might mean encouraging them to contact a therapist, going with them to an emergency room, or calling a crisis line.
Follow up. Continue checking in. Healing is a process, and ongoing support matters.
If You’re the One Struggling
If you’re reading this and finding yourself in a dark place, please know: You are not alone. It may feel like things will never get better—but that’s not the full story. Pain can be intense, but it is not permanent. Help is available, and you deserve support.
Here are a few immediate resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or text “HELLO” to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1
Your local ER or urgent care for crisis intervention
Reaching out is not a weakness—it’s a courageous first step toward healing.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy is one of the most effective tools in suicide prevention. It offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may feel too heavy to carry alone. Whether you're navigating depression, grief, trauma, identity struggles, or overwhelming life stress—therapy can help you regain clarity, hope, and a sense of agency.
At Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting, we’re here to walk with you through the hard stuff. We provide in-person therapy in Charlotte, NC, and virtual sessions throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado. We know that human connection is essential, which is why we proudly continue offering in-person options for those who value face-to-face support in a compassionate environment.
You Can Make a Difference
Whether you're a parent, a friend, a teacher, a colleague, or a community leader—you have the power to make an impact. Simply by being open, listening deeply, and offering consistent support, you can be a lifeline to someone in need.
Let’s work together this month—and every month—to raise awareness, break the stigma, and spread a message of hope.
