September is a month dedicated to remembering the lives lost to suicide, the millions of individuals who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledging the families and communities impacted by suicide. It is also a time to bring awareness about suicide prevention, share messages of hope, and remove the stigma around mental health.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background and are often the result of an untreated mental health condition. While suicidal thoughts may be common, they should not be considered normal.

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline at 988.  

Talking about:

• Feeling unbearable pain, hopelessness, worthless, trapped, guilt, shame, anger, or like they are a burden to others  

• Death or a recent fascination with death

Changes in behavior or mood:

• Recent episodes of depression, emotional distress, anxiety, and/or suicide attempt

• Increased alcohol or drug use, recklessness

• Losing interest in personal appearance or hygiene

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or community

• Saying goodbye to friends and family and/or giving away prized possessions

• Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns

• Expressing rage and/or becoming violent or being a victim of violence  

How to Help

• ASK - Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicide ideation.

• BE THERE – Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

• KEEP THEM SAFE – Studies have indicated that when lethal methods are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently, suicide rates decline overall.

• HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED – Studies have also shown that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can encourage them to take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

• FOLLOW-UP – Brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services, according to research.  

‍#BeThe1To- #BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. Talking with and finding help for someone who may be suicidal can be difficult. These tips may help:

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

• Listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings without judgment.

• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

• Act. Remove means such as weapons or pills.

• Get help from people/agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong or whether feelings are good or bad.  

• Don’t dare them to do it

• Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you

• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support

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It’s hard to know how a suicidal crisis feels and how to act. Call 988 anytime for help if you or someone you know is struggling.

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Additional Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center