Each September, Suicide Prevention Month offers a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. Communities work collectively to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, you can call, text, or chat confidentially with a trained crisis worker 24/7 through 988 at no cost. More options for support are available here – you are not alone.
Recognize the Warning Signs for Suicide to Save Lives!
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell warning signs from “normal” behavior, especially in youth and young adults. Ask yourself, Is the behavior I am seeing very different for this particular person? Also, recognize that sometimes those who are depressed can appear angry, irritable, and/or hostile in addition to withdrawn and quiet.
Take action if you see any of the following warning signs:
- Talking about or threatening to hurt or kill oneself
- Seeking firearms, drugs, or other lethal means for killing oneself
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
- Direct statements or less direct statements of suicidal intent (Examples: “I’m just going to end it all.” or “Everything would be easier if I wasn’t around.”)
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrollable anger or seeking revenge
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Changes in attendance or performance at work or school
- Feeling anxious or agitated
- Being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
If you see warning signs and/or are otherwise worried:
Connect with Your Loved One, Connect Them to Help
- Ask directly about their suicidal feelings. Talking about suicide is the first step to preventing suicide!
- Let them know you care.
- Keep them away from anything that may cause harm.
- Stay with them and get a professional involved.
- Offer a message of hope – let them know you will assist them in getting help.
- Connect them with help:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call/text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, free and confidential support
- Crisis Text Line: 741741
- Your local Community Mental Health Center or Emergency Department
- The Trevor Project: 24/7 confidential support for LGBTQ+ young people under 25 – call 1-866-488-7386 to connect with a trained counselor.
- For an emergency, dial 911
Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that silence can cost lives, and one caring conversation can save them. Let’s make silence a thing of the past.
For more resources on suicide prevention, visit TheConnectProgram.org.