September is Suicide Prevention Month: A Time for Hope and Healing
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September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time when we are called to pause, reflect, and remember that behind every smile, every strong exterior, and every “I’m fine,” there may be a story we don’t see. It is important to remember those we have lost, as well as those who may suffer in silence or fear of judgment.
This month brings light to the shadows. It reminds people that they are not alone and honors the courage it takes to keep going when life feels unbearably heavy. Suicide prevention and awareness is more than just a touchy subject. It is about hope and healing.
Why Suicide Awareness Matters
Suicide is often whispered about, hidden in the folds of stigma and silence. Yet the truth is, many of us have been touched by it—whether through our own struggles or those of loved ones. Talking about it openly doesn’t plant the idea; instead, it opens the door for hope, understanding, and connection.
When we shed the shame around mental health struggles, we create space for healing. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength. It’s proof that even in the darkest nights, there’s still a spark searching for sunrise.
A Personal Note
I know these struggles firsthand. There were times in my life when suicidal thoughts felt louder than hope. The idea of not being here seemed like an escape from the weight I carried. Reaching out or asking for help can seem like a hurdle, but trust me when I say, you are not a burden, and you are valid! It's pride; it's trauma often! I’ve battled those moments of darkness, and what I learned is this: they don’t define me, and they don’t have to define you either!
That’s why this conversation is so personal for me. It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about survival, healing, and reminding anyone reading this that even when your mind tells you otherwise, your life matters.
Warning Signs & Risk Factors in Others
While every person’s story is different, there are often signs that someone may be struggling:
Withdrawing from friends and loved ones
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
Sudden mood changes—calmness after despair can be a red flag
Talking about death or making indirect statements like “I can’t do this anymore”
Giving away possessions or tying up loose ends
Risk factors can include untreated depression, past trauma, isolation, or substance use. That’s why checking in on the people we love matters more than we know. A simple “How are you, really?” can crack open a conversation that saves a life.
Signs to Notice in Yourself
It’s not always about what we see in others. Sometimes the hardest part is admitting the warning signs within ourselves.
Be gentle but honest if you notice:
Feeling hopeless, trapped, or emotionally numb
Thinking others would be better off without you
Using drugs or alcohol more than usual to cope
Feeling like you have no purpose or reason to keep going
If any of these feel familiar, please know this: your pain is valid, but it is not permanent. Reaching out for help is an act of courage, not defeat.
Myths & Misconceptions About Suicide
One of the most powerful things we can do during Suicide Prevention Month is challenge the myths that keep people silent.
Here are some of the most common—and why they’re simply not true:
Myth: Talking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head.
Truth: Talking about it can actually save lives. Honest, compassionate conversations open the door for hope and help.
Myth: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.
Truth: If someone is talking about suicide, they’re expressing deep pain and need support. Dismissing it as “attention-seeking” can make them feel even more isolated.
Myth: If someone really wants to die, nothing can stop them.
Truth: Many people who consider suicide don’t want to die—they want the pain to end. With the right support and resources, healing and recovery are possible.
Myth: Only people with severe mental illness are at risk.
Truth: Suicide can affect anyone. While mental health conditions are a risk factor, stress, trauma, and life circumstances can also push someone into crisis.
Myth: Suicides happen most often in the winter.
Truth: While winter can feel heavy for many, studies show suicides actually peak in spring and early summer. It’s a reminder that struggles don’t always look like what we expect—and why ongoing awareness is so important year-round.
Myth: Only people who “act” sad are suicidal or more likely to attempt.
Truth: Not everyone shows visible signs of struggle. Some people hide their pain behind laughter, productivity, or a calm demeanor. That’s why compassion, connection, and checking in matter—even with the people who seem like they have it all together.
Myth: Once someone is suicidal, they’ll always feel that way.
Truth: Suicidal thoughts can be temporary. With help, people can and do go on to live fulfilling lives.
How You Can Support Someone
You don’t need all the answers—you just need to show up. Sometimes the greatest gift is your presence.
If someone you love is struggling:
Listen without judgment. Let them speak their truth without rushing to “fix” it.
Validate their feelings. Pain is real. Telling someone to “just get over it” only deepens the wound.
Encourage professional help. Therapists, counselors, and doctors are lifelines.
Follow up. A single check-in matters, but consistent care can be life-changing.
Taking Care of Yourself
This conversation isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about caring for ourselves. Stress, burnout, and emotional heaviness can creep up silently. Nourish your body with foods that fuel you. Move in ways that release tension and build strength. Guard your mental health with mindfulness, journaling, prayer, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.
In my own journey as a wellness coach, I’ve learned that while nutrition, movement, and mindset don’t erase life’s struggles, they can be anchors—reminding us that our bodies and minds deserve care, even on the hardest days.
Resources & Crisis Support
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know help is here:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (U.S.)
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (U.S.)
For international hotlines, visit findahelpline.com
Save these numbers. Share them. One day, they might be the bridge between despair and hope.
What You Can Do
Awareness is powerful, but awareness in action saves lives. This month, I invite you to:
Check in on a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
Share resources on your social platforms or within your community.
Speak openly about mental health so others know it’s safe to do the same.
And if you recognize the signs in yourself—please, reach out. You are worth saving.
Closing Thoughts
If you take nothing else from this blog, let it be this: your story is not over. There will be chapters of pain, yes—but there will also be chapters of joy, healing, laughter, and love you haven’t yet met.
This September, let’s break the silence. Let’s talk, listen, and remind each other that no one has to carry their battles alone. You matter. You are needed. And the world is brighter with you in it.
🌿 Nourish. Move. Glow. 🌿
Disclaimer:
The tips and information shared in this blog are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions regarding your physical or mental health, including starting any new exercise or nutrition program, especially if you have underlying medical conditions, injuries, or mental health concerns.
