Suicide Prevention Month: How to Support Yourself and Others
- Mental Health Hygiene & Wellness Clinic
- Sep 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Each September, we observe National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, share resources, and honor those affected by suicide. It's a powerful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that reaching out can truly save a life.
This month encourages us to speak openly, listen compassionately, and remind each other that no one has to go through it alone.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It affects people across all age groups, races, genders, and communities, often in silence. The reasons behind suicide are complex and deeply personal, but many share common struggles:
feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and emotional pain that feels overwhelming.
Fear of judgment, cultural stigma, and lack of access to support often stop individuals from reaching out. That’s why suicide prevention is not just about intervention. It’s about creating a world where mental health is openly talked about and help is always within reach.
Every life has value. Every story matters. And every one of us can be part of the solution.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Identifying warning signs can be the first step in offering support to someone in need. While not everyone shows the same symptoms, some common red flags include:
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or being a burden
Withdrawing from friends, family, or usual activities
Expressing a desire to die or saying goodbye
Mood swings, extreme emotional highs and lows, or sudden calmness after distress
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
If you notice any of these signs in someone, don’t wait. Reach out, check in, and let them know you care.
How You Can Help
Even small gestures can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to support someone who may be struggling:
Start open, nonjudgmental conversations about mental health
Offer to listen without trying to "fix" things
Let them know they’re not a burden and that you’re here for them
Share resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Encourage them to seek help from a therapist, counselor, or trusted healthcare provider
Follow up consistently to show ongoing support
Take care of your own mental health so you can be present for others
Being there for someone doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being present, being kind, and being willing to listen.
You Are Not Alone
At Mental Health Hygiene and Wellness Clinic, we believe healing begins with connection. Whether you're struggling with thoughts of suicide or supporting someone who is, our clinic provides a compassionate, inclusive space where you are seen, heard, and supported.
We understand that asking for help can be hard, but it can also be the beginning of a better tomorrow.
Call us at (904) 921-9267 or schedule an appointment today
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7
You are never alone.
