Suicide Awareness Month: Understanding the Signs and What You Can Do

Every September, Suicide Awareness Month asks us to talk more openly about suicide, depression, and how to get help before a crisis becomes fatal. It’s important to destigmatize mental health in the mission of creating a new norm to help people live a better life. 

Suicide is often surrounded by silence, fear, and stigma. Many people worry that saying the wrong thing will make things worse. Others may not recognize when someone they love is in danger. Awareness matters because it helps replace shame with support, and confusion with clear steps. 

Why Suicide Awareness Month matters 

Suicide Awareness Month creates a space for education, remembrance, and prevention. It gives families, schools, health care providers, religious communities, and neighborhoods a shared reason to speak about mental health without judgment. 

This month is also a reminder that suicide prevention is not only the work of clinicians. Friends, relatives, coworkers, coaches, teachers, and neighbors can all notice changes, ask direct questions, and get someone the help they need. 

There are three goals to suicide awareness: 

To reducing stigma: People are more likely to ask for help when they believe they will be met with compassion instead of blame. 

To teaching the warning signs: Knowing what to look for can help someone step in earlier. 

To sharing crisis resources: Clear information saves time when a person is overwhelmed or unsafe. 

The subject is painful, but avoiding it does not protect people. Thoughtful, direct conversations can. 

Current suicide statistics show the urgency 

Suicide remains a serious issue in the United States and around the world. 

According to CDC data, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2022, one of the highest numbers ever recorded. Suicide is also among the leading causes of death for young people and middle-aged adults. Globally, the World Health Organization has reported that more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year (CDC, 2026). 

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community changed by loss. Some people face higher risk because of a mix of social, medical, economic, and personal factors. This includes untreated mental illness, substance use, trauma, isolation, chronic pain, discrimination, access to lethal means, and previous suicide attempts. 

Statistics only go as far showing a populations overall demographics and certain factors.

Which is why attention to warning signs, mood changes, and direct expressions of hopelessness matters so much. 

How to support someone who may be struggling 

Support does not require perfect words. It requires presence, patience, and willingness to act. Start with a direct, caring question.

Try asking: 

“I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed lately. I care about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” 

If they say yes, stay calm. Do not argue, shame, or promise secrecy. Thank them for telling you and focus on safety. 

Helpful steps include: 

Listen more than you speak: Let them talk without rushing to fix everything. 

Stay with them if risk feels immediate: Do not leave someone alone if they may harm themselves soon. 

Remove or reduce access to lethal means when possible: This can include asking another trusted person to help make the environment safer. 

Connect them to professional help: Offer to call 988 with them, contact a thier counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist nurse practitioner, crisis team, or go with them to the emergency room or crisis walk-in clinic. 

Follow up: A message the next day can matter. Ongoing support helps reduce isolation. 

It’s important to avoid phrases like “You have so much to live for” or “Other people have it worse.” These responses can make someone feel misunderstood. Try, “I’m really glad you told me,”Or “We can get through the next step together.” (National Suicide Prevention Month - the American Institute of Stress, 2024) 

Where to find help now 

Help is available for people in crisis, people living with depression, and loved ones who are unsure what to do. 

In the United States: 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential crisis support. 

Crisis Text Lines:  

• Maryland Crisis Hotline: 800-422-0009 

• Anna Arundel County Crisis hotline: 410-768-552 

• Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214 

• Baltimore City Crisis Response: 410-433-5255 

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 

• Howard County Grassroots Hotline: 410-531-6677 

• Maryland Crisis Hotline: 800-422-0009 

• National Lifeline Hotline: 800-273-8255(TALK) 

• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 

• Christian Crisis Helpline 1-866-482-LIFE (5433) 

Emergency services: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if there is immediate danger. 

Primary care doctors and mental health professionals: A doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, or community mental health clinic can help with assessment and treatment. 

School and campus supports: Students can contact a school counselor, resident adviser, campus counseling center, or trusted staff member. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans and service members can call 988, then press 1, or text 838255. 

 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an urgent safety risk, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

A compassionate next step 

Suicide Awareness Month is not only about one month of education. It is an invitation to build habits that last all year: ask directly, listen closely, take warning signs seriously, and know where help is. 

If someone comes to mind while reading this, reach out today. A simple message can open a door: “I’ve been thinking about you. I’m here, and I care.” 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If there is immediate danger, call 988, 911, or seek emergency help right away. 

References: 

CDC. (2026, May 29). Suicide data and statistics. Suicide Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/data/index.html 

National suicide Prevention Month - the American Institute of stress. (2024, September 16). The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/news/national-suicide-prevention-month/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22250685770&gclid=Cj0KCQjw16_UBhCqARIsAIdOaXxDJdp1RKzRZrnlwMETxV7bsg76pNy7N5UwXxldTIT42ot8AwyWhvoaAj_QEALw_wcB 

NIMH. (2024). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression