Shining a Light: Suicide Awareness and Hope

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but the truth is, this is a conversation we need all year long. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and for young people, it has become an especially urgent public health concern. Even in youth, it is the third leading cause of death in children and adolescents. Many families and communities have been touched by the pain of this struggle.

But you can help. Awareness, compassion, and connection can truly save lives. In honor of the ones that we lost- and the ones we almost lost- let's talk about it with an emotional awareness of what is going on. When an individual is seriously considering suicide, we have no idea what suffering they must be going through. The one thing that we do know is that it is uncomprehensible. We also know that these individuals are not foolish or dumb. They are considering all options; They are looking for relief and hope. We just can't see all the mental processes involved and we can't feel the pain they are feeling.

Understanding the Scope

• In the U.S., suicide is the second or third leading cause of death for people under 25, depending on age range (higher in teenagers, lower in children under 10).

• More than 12 million adults report serious thoughts of suicide each year.

• Many people struggling with suicidal thoughts never tell anyone — not because they don’t want help, but because of stigma or fear.

When we recognize the warning signs and open up space for honest conversation, we make it easier for someone to reach out before it’s too late.

Warning Signs to Watch For

While no single sign means someone will attempt suicide, patterns can signal distress:

• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden.

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed.

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood.

• Risk-taking behavior or giving away possessions.

• Expressing thoughts about death or wanting to end their life.

How to Help Someone in Crisis

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Here are a few steps anyone can take:

1. Ask directly. Saying “Are you thinking about suicide?” won’t put the idea in someone’s head — it shows you care enough to ask. I also like to ask, “If there was a possibility that things could get better, could you wait 2 months? 6 months?” Reminding teenagers that I have helped many others offers hope.

2. Listen without judgment. Sometimes, simply being heard can lift an unbearable weight. The individual is going through such emotional and mental anguish that they would even consider such a serious and permanent option. Pay attention to the emotions at the heart of it, and do not get hung up on the shock factor. Instead of, “don’t say stuff like that!” it can be, “Wow! Things must be pretty bad for you to say that, tell me more about how you're feeling?”

3. Stay connected. Encourage the person to reach out to professionals, but also keep checking in yourself.

4. Know the resources. In the U.S., dial 988 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Text and chat options are also available.

Building a Culture of Hope

Suicide prevention isn’t just about intervention at the moment of crisis — it’s about creating communities where people feel supported long before they hit a breaking point. That means:

• Talking openly about mental health.

• Making therapy and support services more accessible.

• Checking in on friends, coworkers, and loved ones regularly.

• Challenging stigma when we hear it.

Final Thoughts

Suicide thrives in silence. Awareness starts with breaking that silence — with courage, compassion, and persistence. Each of us has the power to notice, to ask, to listen, and to guide someone toward help. We can make space for emotionally uncomfortable conversations if it means saving a life, can’t we?

You might never know if a single conversation or small act of kindness prevented a tragedy. But it might. And that’s reason enough to keep showing up. 

If there was a possibility that we could make things better, could you hang in there for a few more months? How can I help ease the pain while we build a life worth living? I don't have all the answers, but maybe we just haven’t been asking the right questions to combat suicide correctly.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the U.S. for immediate support.

For any needs that may be able to wait longer- schedule an appointment with us!