National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness, share
vital resources, and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Each September, the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise
awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental
health issues of our time. Our goal is 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.

Here are some key dates this month:
− 988 Day: September 8 (an annual day of action to highlight the lifeline).
− World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10 (focused on global awareness and
directing treatment).
− National Suicide Prevention Week: Sept 7–13.
For immediate crisis support, try these options:
− 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7, free, and confidential). You
can also chat online at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
− Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
− Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

Here are some ways you can maintain awareness of the risk of suicide and help those around
you:
− Learn the signs. Watch for changes in mood, expressions of hopelessness, withdrawal,
or talking about being a burden.
− Reach out. Listen without judgment and let others know they are not alone.
− Share resources. Promote tools from organizations like the National Alliance on Mental
Illness and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

For crisis response, try the three Cs. The three Cs of suicide crisis response, defined by crisis
expert Dr. John Draper, are connection, collaboration, and choice. Connection means making
the person in crisis feel understood, supported, and not alone by listening without judgment.
Collaboration means working together with the individual to explore their situation and find
helpful solutions or safety plans. Choice means empowering the person by involving them
directly in decisions regarding their care, treatment, and recovery.

There are also three Rs for responding to the risk of suicide. Recognize the risk and learn the
warning signs of emotional distress or suicidal ideation. Watch for direct or indirect talk about
death, dying, or suicide, such as “I want to die,” or “Life is not worth living.” Notice behavioral
changes like withdrawing from friends and family, giving away possessions, or dramatic mood
shifts. Pay attention to increased substance use or a sudden decline in work or school
performance.

Respond by taking every sign or mention of suicide seriously. Talk to the person directly and
openly in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Ask clearly if they are thinking about suicide, e.g.,
“Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Listen closely without interrupting and let them know
they are not alone.

Refer the person to help. Guide the person to professional help or crisis resources. Connect
them to mental health counselors, campus resources, or a crisis hotline. Stay with the person or
help them make initial contact if there is an immediate risk.

Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. We believe that silence should
never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that.
This September, you can be the difference. With one conversation, asking someone how
they’re really doing and being ready to truly listen can save lives. No one has to face this alone.
Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

Every September, SAMHSA and other organizations observe Suicide Prevention Awareness
Month. In recent years, SAMHSA has produced a toolkit that is widely used and shared by state
behavioral health authorities and others looking to promote this observance. Copy, download,
and share the toolkit’s messages, graphics, and promotional materials in ways that fit the
needs of your audiences and channels.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 or
chat at 988lifeline.org in the United States and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For questions and appointments, write to us on our website or call us at (585) 442-6960.