09/03/2025
September is National Su***de Prevention Month - With compassion and awareness you can help someone who’s in crisis.
1. Recognize the Warning Signs
* Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden.
* Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities.
* Changes in mood (extreme sadness, irritability, or calmness after distress).
* Risky behavior or increased substance use.
2. Listen and Take Them Seriously
* Don’t dismiss their feelings or tell them to “cheer up.”
* Listen without judgment.
* Show empathy—sometimes just being heard helps.
3. Encourage Professional Help
* Suggest reaching out to a therapist, doctor, or counselor
* Offer to help them make the call or go with them to the appointment.
* Remind them they don’t have to go through this alone.
4. Be Present and Supportive
* Check in regularly—small gestures of care make a difference.
* Remove access to means if possible (fi****ms, large amounts of medication, etc.).
* Encourage healthy coping strategies (exercise, journaling, spending time with supportive people).
5. Know When to Act Immediately
* If they are in immediate danger, call emergency services (911)
* You can also call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline) for free, confidential support.
* Stay with them until help arrives if you can.
***depreventionmonth
