What to Know About Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide is far from a comfortable topic for most people, especially those who have lost someone to suicide. This is why it’s crucial to raise awareness and normalize conversations around suicide so that those impacted can feel supported on a broad scale. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month was created to remember those who we lost to suicide, support those who struggle with suicidal ideation, and recognize the impact of suicide on family members and communities.

What is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?

National Suicide Awareness Month was started in September of 2008 and continues to be observed every September. This month serves to bring information and awareness about suicide prevention to the public through mental health and advocacy organizations as well as suicide prevention groups. Falling within this month is World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed on September 10.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month promotes awareness and education through social media posts, events, and workshops. This month also prioritizes educating others by collaborating with institutions on their mental health training programs.

Encouraging Open Conversations about Mental Health

When there are open conversations about mental health problems, others understand that they are not alone in their struggles. The stigma associated with having thoughts of suicide dissipates and individuals can receive adequate treatment.

Providing Support and Resources to Those in Need

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month highlights resources such as hotlines, textlines, crisis services, or support groups for those in need.

The Need for Suicide Prevention Awareness

According to the CDC, in 2022 suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10-64, and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34. Men die by suicide 3.85 times more often than women. This data highlights the impact suicide has in the United States and how critical awareness and prevention are.

Raising awareness about National Suicide Awareness Month helps with spreading accurate information about suicide and its impact. Initiatives that normalize conversations about mental health problems help other people to want to share their struggles without being judged. Increased awareness also helps people learn how to detect a loved one’s possible warning signs, and understand the best way to intervene.

Cultural and Societal Perspectives on Suicide

Perspectives on suicide vary both in the US, and around the world. The significance of suicide and its causes are heavily influenced by culture and religion. For example, in some Eastern cultures, suicide can be viewed as ritualistic — a perspective not often found in Western countries.

In many other cultures suicide is often viewed as a deeply shameful experience. The stigma surrounding suicide makes it difficult for people to have discussions that could potentially help them. In some countries, suicide is even illegal which can discourage individuals from seeking help due to possible persecution.

Over time, attitudes are evolving: In June 2023, Ghana made history by decriminalizing attempted suicides, marking a significant shift towards more compassionate and evidence-based approaches to mental health.

Myths and Misconceptions About Suicide

There are several common myths and misconceptions about suicide, which can be detrimental to prevention efforts. Some of these myths are:

• Myth: If a person is experiencing suicidal ideation, they want to die.

• Fact: Many people want to live even if they’re having thoughts of suicide. However, the degree of their suffering often leaves them feeling that there’s no other choice.

• Myth: People who threaten suicide or harm themselves are seeking attention.

• Fact: Frequently, someone who dies by suicide first mentioned it to someone else. This is why it’s important to take mentions of suicide very serious.

• Myth: Talking about suicide can “plant the idea” or make someone more likely to attempt it.

• Fact: Discussing suicide is more likely to reduce suicidal ideation, because it gives people an opening to talk about their feelings and seek treatment.

• Myth: Dying by suicide is selfish, or “easy way out.”

• Fact: People die by suicide because they see it as the only way to end their suffering, and many don’t have access to resources — both internal and external — that may help them.

• Myth: It’s impossible to tell if someone is considering suicide.

• Fact: There are often warning signs that precede a suicide attempt.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide

The warning signs of suicide aren’t always apparent. If you are noticing a loved one acting out of character, seeming withdrawn, agitated, or reckless, or observe a significant increase in the use of alcohol or drugs, those may be indicators of suicidal ideation. It’s key to seek help immediately for loved ones by calling or texting 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where you can speak with a trained crisis counselor who can support you.

Behavioral Indicators

There are a number of behavioral indicators that you can watch for if you’re concerned that your loved one may be suicidal.

• • • Withdrawing from family or friends

    • Spending most of their time in isolation

    • Mood swings involving extreme anger or sadness

    • Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness

    • New or increased use of substances (alcohol or drugs) to cope with pain

Verbal Cues

Verbal cues such as talking about hopelessness or feeling trapped are also warning signs of suicidal thoughts. If your loved one is saying things like “I wish I were dead,” or “There’s no other option,” they need immediate professional support.

Emotional Signals

If your loved one exhibits drastic changes in mood — such as shifts from extremely sad to unusually happy, or expressing guilt or shame — they may feel burdened by their emotions. Encouraging them to seek professional help can lead to an early intervention to prevent acting on a suicidal thought or plan.

Physical Signs

People can also experience physical signs of suicide such as changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleep disturbances like nightmares). If you notice a decline in a loved one’s personal hygiene or self-care you can ask about their emotional well-being in a compassionate, non-judgmental way.”

Self-Assessment for Warning Signs

Sometimes it can be easy to overlook the importance of prioritizing your own emotional well-being. However, acknowledging and understanding your feelings is an important step in prioritizing your mental health.

You may be interested in how you can assess yourself for suicide warning signs. First, increase your self-awareness by asking yourself regularly what emotions you are experiencing. Ask yourself things like:

• • • How do I deal with stress and emotions such as guilt or anger?

    • Are the coping mechanisms that I use healthy?

    • Do I use negative self-talk or unhelpful coping skills such as avoidance or increased substance use?

    • Am I aware of my triggers and how they impact my thoughts and feelings?

Reflection can help you gain a better understanding of your emotional well-being and determine whether you need additional support.

When to Seek Help

If you notice that your symptoms are worsening or becoming unmanageable it’s important that you seek professional help. Symptoms “getting worse” can look different for every individual, but one example could be intrusive thoughts such as “I wish I would just disappear” or “My family would be better off without me.” If these are popping up with increasing frequency or intensity — even if you know you would never intentionally harm yourself — this would still qualify as concerning symptoms that should prompt you to seek professional help.

Mental health professionals such as psychologists, therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide support and treatment to help you with managing your challenges and preventing suicide. Support groups, in person and online, are meant to help individuals like you.

How Therapy and Other Interventions can Help People Struggling with Suicide

Mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors have an important role in the care and treatment of people who experience thoughts of suicide. These professionals are equipped to assess for certain behaviors that may indicate suicidal ideation. When a crisis arises and you need immediate support, a mental health professional will have the resources available to assist you.

Therapeutic Approaches to Suicide Prevention

Therapy provides a confidential environment for individuals to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies and skills, increase their toolkit, and gain deeper insight into their patterns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works to reframe irrational or unhelpful thoughts that are causing distress. Interventions such as cognitive restructuring can be effective in decreasing the intensity of suicidal thoughts.  Coping mechanisms such as using a journal or a mood tracker can help identify and track behavioral shifts and changes in thought patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy 

Shakia Mayer, licensed professional counselor with Grow Therapy states, “The mindfulness and distress tolerance modules, specifically, of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are beneficial for helping clients with suicidal thoughts.” Mayer goes on to say, “This approach teaches the client how to develop a healthier and nonjudgmental relationship with their thoughts, rather than pushing the thoughts away. Additionally, the emotion regulation module can help the client assess their emotions and participate in safe behaviors.”

Crisis Intervention and Hotline Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, go to the nearest emergency room or call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Crisis intervention is immediate support for an urgent mental health emergency. Short-term counseling can be provided by a trained crisis counselor to stabilize an individual. A safety plan is created to ensure safety and to manage future crises effectively.

Many hotlines and other resources can provide 24/7 crisis support. Crisis call centers are equipped with knowledgeable staff who can help with de-escalating a possible mental health emergency.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Peer support can help individuals feel validated and others can offer empathy and understanding. People who have experienced suicidal thoughts and have found ways to cope can offer practical advice and encouragement. Through talking with peers who have shareable experiences you are normalizing conversations about suicide.

Resources for Finding Support Groups