Suicide Prevention Month: how to help and find support

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| 9 min read Uncategorized

Published in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month in September and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available right now. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line for free, confidential support 24/7.

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us how important it is to recognize warning signs, talk with care, and know where to turn for support. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10. In 2026, its theme is “Changing the narrative on suicide,” with a call to “Start the Conversation.”

Talking openly and compassionately about suicide can help challenge stigma and make it easier for people to ask for help. Asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. A caring conversation can instead help someone feel heard and connect them with support.

Understanding suicide risk

Suicide is complex and rarely tied to one circumstance. A combination of individual, relationship, community, and health factors can contribute to a person’s risk.

Having risk factors does not mean someone will attempt suicide. But it does mean concerns should be taken seriously.

Learning the warning signs of suicide can help you recognize when someone may need additional support.

Warning signs of suicide

Not everyone shows the same warning signs. The National Institute of Mental Health says that changes in a friend, family member, colleague, or someone else in your life may be a reason to check in.

Warning signs can include:

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye
  • Taking dangerous risks
  • Experiencing significant changes in mood, sleep, or eating
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often

Warning signs may be new or may have become more noticeable recently. If you’re concerned about someone, take what you’re seeing or hearing seriously and reach out.

The National Institute of Mental Health advises getting help as soon as possible when warning signs are present, especially when a behavior is new or has recently increased.

How to help someone with suicidal thoughts

You don’t need to be a mental health professional to support someone who may be struggling. You can listen, ask how they’re doing, and help connect them with professional support. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends these five steps to help someone who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts:

  1. Ask directly: if you’re concerned, it’s OK to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not put the idea in someone’s head or increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. It can give them a chance to talk openly about what they’re experiencing.
  2. Be there and listen without judgment: you don’t need to have all the answers. Give the person space to talk about how they’re feeling. Try to listen without dismissing their feelings, arguing with them, or trying to solve the problem right away. Connection matters. Stay with the person when appropriate, and continue checking in after your conversation. Following up can remind someone that they aren’t facing a difficult moment alone.
  3. Help keep them safe: if someone has a specific plan, help reduce their access to anything they could use to harm themselves. This may not be an easy conversation, but asking about a plan and making harmful items less available, even temporarily, can create space for the crisis to pass.
  4. Help them connect with support: encourage them to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or another trusted source of support. You can offer to stay with them while they reach out.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency help right away.
  5. Follow up: support doesn’t have to end after one conversation. Check in again and continue to listen. Your role isn’t to diagnose or treat someone. Being present, taking their concerns seriously, and helping them connect with appropriate support can all matter.

Common myths about suicide

Misunderstandings about suicide can make it harder to talk openly or ask for help. Learning the facts can help make those conversations easier. Trusted suicide prevention resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, and 988 can help address common myths and make supportive conversations feel more approachable.

  • Myth: “Asking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head.”
    Studies show that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not cause or increase those thoughts. WHO also says asking about suicide can reduce anxiety, help someone feel understood, and make it easier to identify when someone needs support.
  • Myth: “People who talk about suicide don’t really mean it.”
     Talk about suicide should always be taken seriously. The National Institute of Mental Health says talking about wanting to die by suicide requires immediate attention, and family and friends can often help someone find mental health treatment.
  • Myth: “Suicide only affects certain kinds of people.”
     Suicide can affect people across many backgrounds and circumstances. WHO says suicide can occur at any stage of life and in all regions of the world.
  • Myth: “There’s nothing I can do to help.”
    You don’t need to have every answer to offer support. NIMH and 988 recommend steps like asking directly, being there, helping keep someone safe, helping them connect with support, and following up.

Treatment and ongoing support

Help is available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or other mental health challenges.

Depending on someone’s needs, professional support may include therapy, medication, safety planning, or other forms of care. A qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional can help determine which options may be appropriate.

A safety plan can help someone identify warning signs, coping strategies, people they can contact, and professional resources they can turn to during difficult moments.

Recovery and ongoing care look different for everyone. People who experience suicidal thoughts can receive support and go on to live full lives.

How to take part in Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month can be an opportunity to learn, connect, and take action in ways that feel meaningful to you. Here are a few ways to get involved:

  • Learn the warning signs. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when someone may need support.
  • Check in with someone. A genuine conversation can give someone space to share how they’re feeling.
  • Share suicide prevention resources. Sharing accurate information about 988 and other crisis services can help more people know where to turn.
  • Learn about World Suicide Prevention Day. September 10 is an opportunity to challenge stigma and encourage open, compassionate conversations about suicide.
  • Support mental health and suicide prevention nonprofits. Many organizations provide crisis support, education, advocacy, community programs, and resources for people affected by suicide, including people who have lost someone to suicide and people who may be at risk.
  • Volunteer with a suicide prevention organization. Organizations working in suicide prevention may offer opportunities to donate, volunteer, advocate, participate in community events, or help raise awareness.

Start or support a suicide prevention fundraiser

For some people, taking action during Suicide Prevention Month means raising money for a person, family, community, or organization.

A suicide prevention fundraiser could support a nonprofit working in prevention and mental health, community education or related needs. Fundraisers can also help families facing mental health-related expenses or navigating the loss of a loved one.

If you want to help, you can donate to or share an existing fundraiser. You can also start a GoFundMe to bring your community together around a cause that’s important to you.

Before supporting a fundraiser, take time to understand its purpose and how the organizer plans to use the funds.

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    Support or volunteer with suicide prevention organizations

    You don’t have to start a fundraiser to contribute during Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide prevention and mental health organizations work throughout the year on crisis support, research, education, advocacy, community programs, and support for people affected by suicide.

    Depending on the organization, you may be able to donate, volunteer, take part in an awareness event, support advocacy efforts, or help share trusted suicide prevention resources.

    Organizations to explore include:

    • The Trevor Project provides suicide prevention and 24/7 crisis intervention support for LGBTQ+ young people in the United States and Mexico.
    • Stay Here Nonprofit Corporation provides mental health resources, suicide prevention training, and community support for people experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, or suicidal thoughts.
    • Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) works to prevent suicide through training, education, advocacy, and supporting suicide loss survivors. They also provide resources free of charge through a form on the contact page on their website.

    Choose an organization or form of participation that fits the time and support you’re able to give. Even sharing reliable information with your community can help more people know where to find support.

    Suicide prevention resources

    Reliable suicide prevention resources can help you find support, learn more, or help someone else.

    Connection and support can make a difference

    Suicide Prevention Month is a reminder of the value of compassionate conversation and connection. Learning the warning signs, checking in with people you care about, and knowing where to find reliable support can help make those conversations easier.

    You don’t need to have every answer to reach out. Sometimes helping begins with asking a question and listening to the response.

    Sources and further reading

    For additional information about suicide prevention and mental health support, explore these trusted resources:

    This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about suicide risk, prevention, or support, talk with a qualified healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line in the United States.

    Written by Giulia