From Awareness to Action: How You Can Help Prevent Suicide
A Change of Seasons — and a Reminder
As September comes to a close and the crisp air of October arrives, many of us notice changes in our routines. The days are shorter, evenings are cooler, and there’s often a natural pull to slow down. For some, this shift feels cozy and comforting. For others, it can bring feelings of loneliness, sadness, or heaviness.
That’s why September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is such an important reminder to pause and check in — not only with our loved ones but also with ourselves. Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and reaching out, asking questions, and offering support can make a life-saving difference.
Suicide by the Numbers
The statistics around suicide are sobering:
* Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 15–29.
* Men die by suicide at twice the rate of women.
* Suicide rates are higher for those in the LGBTQ+ community, who often face stigma and rejection.
* People living in rural areas face higher risk due to limited access to mental health resources.
Behind each number is a real person — a son, daughter, sibling, partner, or friend. Awareness helps us remember that suicide is not an abstract issue. It touches communities, families, and workplaces every single day.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Sometimes, suicide can seem to come “out of nowhere,” but in many cases, there are warning signs. These may show up in the things someone says, the emotions they express, or the way they behave.
Talking About:
* Wanting to die or feeling like life has no purpose
* Believing they’re a burden to others
* Expressing guilt, shame, or overwhelming hopelessness
Feeling:
* Empty, trapped, or worthless
* Intensely anxious, irritable, or full of rage
* Like they don’t belong or are isolated from others
Behavior Changes:
* Searching online for ways to die or making a plan
* Saying goodbye to loved ones, giving away belongings, or writing a will
* Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities
* Taking dangerous risks like reckless driving or increased substance use
Not every sign means someone is suicidal, but when several appear together — or when your gut tells you something feels “off” — it’s worth reaching out.
Risk Factors That Increase Vulnerability
Research shows that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition, but mental illness is just one part of the story. Suicide is complex and often the result of many overlapping challenges.
Some risk factors include:
* Family history of suicide
* Substance use or intoxication (present in 1 in 5 suicides)
* Access to firearms or lethal means
* History of trauma or abuse
* Chronic physical or mental illness
* Long-term stress — financial struggles, caregiving pressures, discrimination
* Recent tragedy or loss, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss
Understanding these factors helps us see why prevention isn’t about one single solution. Instead, it’s about building safety nets, strengthening connections, and providing ongoing support.
How You Can Support Someone in Crisis
If you’re concerned about a friend, family member, or colleague, you may feel afraid of saying the wrong thing. But silence can feel isolating — and reaching out can provide hope.
Here are steps you can take:
* Start the conversation. Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” While it may feel uncomfortable, research shows that asking does not “put the idea in someone’s head” — instead, it opens the door for honesty.
* Listen with empathy. Don’t rush to “fix” or offer quick solutions. Sometimes, what a person needs most is to be heard without judgment.
* Reduce access to lethal means. If possible, help them safely store away firearms, medications, or sharp objects.
* Stay calm. Even if you feel nervous, do your best to remain steady. Avoid arguing, lecturing, or debating whether suicide is “right” or “wrong.”
* Encourage professional help. Suggest calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline together, or offer to help them find a therapist, doctor, or crisis center.
* Stay connected. Check in again the next day, and keep reaching out. Feeling supported and less isolated is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide.
Self-Care: Supporting Yourself, Too
Caring for someone in crisis can be heavy. Remember that your well-being matters, too. Talking with one of our skilled therapists at Solace Counseling, joining a support group, or confiding in a trusted friend can help you process your own feelings.
If you’ve lost someone to suicide, healing takes time and support. You are not alone, and grief support resources are available for survivors of loss.
Remember: You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out:
Call or text 988 in the U.S.
Chat at https://988lifeline.org
Learn more about suicide risk from NAMI
Keep the Conversation Going
Talking about suicide saves lives. Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates change. By checking in with friends, listening with compassion, and connecting people to resources, you help reduce stigma and increase safety.
At Solace Counseling, we believe healing is possible and support is always within reach. If you’d like to explore therapy for yourself or a loved one, learn more about our services and how we can help you take the next step toward hope and healing.
