September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, remembering those affected by suicide, and reminding people that support is available. Suicide can be an uncomfortable topic to talk about, but having open and compassionate conversations can be an important part of prevention.
Suicide does not have one single cause. A person may be experiencing a combination of emotional, relational, financial, physical, or social challenges that contribute to feelings of hopelessness or overwhelm. Because every person and situation is different, suicide prevention is not about identifying one specific type of person who may be at risk. It is about recognizing changes, staying connected, and being willing to ask someone how they are really doing.
Most importantly, suicide is preventable, and hope and help are possible.
Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Matters
Suicide affects individuals, families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities. According to the CDC, suicide was responsible for 48,824 deaths in the United States in 2024. In that same year, an estimated 14.3 million U.S. adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan, and 2.2 million attempted suicide.
These numbers represent real people—and they highlight why conversations about mental health and suicide prevention matter.
Prevention doesn’t only happen when someone is in an immediate crisis. It can begin much earlier by creating environments where people feel connected, supported, heard, and comfortable asking for help.
Protective factors such as strong relationships, social connection, healthy coping and problem-solving skills, and access to quality mental health care can help reduce suicide risk.
Understanding the Warning Signs
There isn’t always an obvious sign that someone is thinking about suicide. Some people may talk openly about what they are experiencing, while others may become quieter or withdraw from the people around them.
Warning signs may include:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Saying they feel trapped or that their emotional pain is unbearable
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they normally enjoy
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating
- Acting unusually anxious, agitated, reckless, or angry
- Experiencing extreme mood changes
- Looking for ways to die or researching methods of suicide
These signs are especially important to pay attention to when they are new, increasing, or occurring after a painful event, loss, or major life change.
It’s also important to remember that experiencing a risk factor does not mean someone will attempt suicide. Suicide risk is complex, and there is no single checklist that can predict what someone will do.
What Should You Do If You’re Concerned About Someone?
One of the most helpful things you can do is start a conversation.
You don’t need to have the perfect words. You don’t need to solve their problems. You simply need to be willing to listen.
You might say:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed different lately. How are you really doing?”
Or:
“You’ve been dealing with a lot lately, and I want to check in. Are you okay?”
If you’re concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it is okay to ask directly.
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
Asking someone about suicide does not put the idea into their head. Instead, it can provide an opportunity for someone to talk honestly about what they are experiencing and connect with support.
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously. Listen without judgment, stay connected with them, and help them access professional or crisis support. The CDC recommends several actions that can help: Ask, Be There, Help Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up.
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis to Ask for Help
Mental health support isn’t only for people who are in crisis.
Sometimes suicide risk develops alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, grief, relationship difficulties, chronic stress, isolation, or major life changes. Addressing these challenges early can be an important part of prevention.
Therapy can provide a place to talk honestly about difficult emotions without judgment. A mental health professional can help identify patterns, develop coping strategies, strengthen relationships, and work through the circumstances contributing to emotional distress.
And sometimes, the first step is simply saying:
“I’m not doing okay, and I need some help.”
You don’t have to know exactly what you need before reaching out.
Building Connection Is Part of Prevention
Suicide prevention isn’t only about responding when someone is already in crisis. It is also about creating communities where people feel that they belong.
Connection can look different for everyone. It might mean calling a friend, spending time with family, joining a group, attending therapy, reconnecting with an old hobby, volunteering, or simply having someone who checks in regularly.
Small moments of connection can matter.
A simple “How are you doing?” can open a door.
A willingness to listen can reduce isolation.
Encouraging someone to seek professional support can help them take the next step.
And continuing to check in—even after the immediate concern has passed—can remind someone that they are not alone.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, support is available 24/7.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If someone is in immediate danger or has already seriously harmed themselves, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
You do not have to face a difficult moment alone.
A Message of Hope
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month reminds us that prevention is something we can all participate in.
We can learn the warning signs.
We can ask difficult questions.
We can listen without judgment.
We can encourage people to seek help.
We can check in on the people we care about.
And we can create communities where asking for help is viewed not as a weakness, but as an important part of taking care of ourselves and one another.
If you are struggling, you deserve support—not judgment. And if you’re worried about someone else, you don’t have to know exactly what to say. Start with compassion, stay connected, and help them find the support they need.
There is always a reason to reach out. There is always room for hope.
Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support available 24/7.
Emergency support: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
At Aspen Valley Wellness, we believe mental health care should provide a safe, supportive space where people can be heard, understood, and supported through life’s challenges. If you are struggling with your mental health, reaching out for professional support can be an important first step. Contact us here to get in touch with a therapist who can help you on your healing journey.