September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that support and connection can make a difference. While discussing suicide can feel uncomfortable, open and supportive conversations can have a meaningful impact. One of the strongest protective factors against suicide is connection: feeling supported, valued, and understood by others.
Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support
Suicide is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. Many people who struggle with thoughts of suicide do not openly share what they are experiencing. Recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond can help connect someone to the support they need.
It’s important to remember mental health challenges are common, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Warning Signs
While warning signs can vary, some common indicators may include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
- Significant changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns
- Increased use of alcohol or substances
- Giving away belongings or saying goodbye to loved ones
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or having no reason to live
- Increased anxiety, agitation, or irritability
Not everyone will display obvious warning signs, which is why regular check-ins and meaningful connections are so important.
Protective Factors
While warning signs can help us recognize when someone may be struggling, protective factors help strengthen resilience and support overall well-being.
Protective factors include:
- Strong relationships with family, friends, coworkers, or community members
- Access to mental health care and support services
- Healthy coping skills and stress management strategies
- A sense of purpose, belonging, or connection
- Feeling supported during difficult times
Even small acts of connection can help someone feel less alone.
How to Support Someone
If you’re concerned about someone, consider reaching out. You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference.
Some simple ways to offer support include:
- Reach out and check in.
- Listen without judgment.
- Ask open-ended questions and express your concern.
- Remind them they are not alone.
- Encourage professional support when needed.
- Continue checking in over time rather than assuming one conversation is enough.
Research shows that asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not increase risk. Instead, it can create an opportunity for connection, support, and access to help. Even a simple conversation can remind someone they are seen, valued, and cared for.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- When was the last time I checked in with someone I care about?
- Do I have people I can turn to when I need support?
- What am I doing to nurture meaningful connections in my daily life?
- Is there someone who may benefit from a simple text, call, or conversation today?
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Contact a mental health professional or healthcare provider.
- Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support person.
- If someone is in immediate danger or you believe they may harm themselves, call 911 or seek emergency assistance right away.
Connection can be powerful. A conversation, a check-in, or a moment of support may have a greater impact than you realize. This month, take time to reach out, strengthen your relationships, and remind the people in your life that they matter.
