By: Elizabeth Ernest, LMFT, LCSW
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to pause, learn, and have conversations that can make a meaningful difference. Suicide can be difficult to talk about, but avoiding the topic does not make it less important. In fact, creating space for honest conversations about mental health, hopelessness, and emotional pain can help people feel less alone and more supported.
At The Center for Mindfulness and CBT, we believe that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health struggles can affect anyone, and sometimes the people who are hurting the most may not look like they are struggling at all.
Understanding the Signs
There is no single way that someone experiencing suicidal thoughts will act or feel. However, there are signs that may indicate someone is having a difficult time and could benefit from additional support.
Some signs may include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden to others
- Expressing that life is not worth living or that others would be better off without them
- Withdrawing from friends, family, activities, or responsibilities
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
- Giving away meaningful belongings or saying goodbye in an unusual way
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Experiencing a major loss, relationship change, trauma, or other overwhelming stressor
- Suddenly appearing unusually calm or at peace after a period of significant distress
These signs do not automatically mean that someone is suicidal. They are invitations to check in.
Asking About Suicide Does Not “Put the Idea in Someone’s Head”
One of the most common concerns people have is that asking someone about suicide might make things worse. Asking directly and compassionately about suicidal thoughts does not create suicidal thoughts.
If you are concerned about someone, you can start simply:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed like you’re having a really difficult time lately. How are you doing?”
If you’re worried about suicide specifically, it is okay to ask directly:
“Are you having thoughts about suicide?”
You do not need to have the perfect words. What matters most is creating an opportunity for the person to be honest without judgment.
Listen Before Trying to Fix
When someone shares that they are struggling, it can be tempting to immediately offer solutions, reassurance, or advice. Instead, try to listen.
You might say:
- “I’m really glad you told me.”
- “That sounds incredibly difficult.”
- “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
- “Let’s figure out what support you can have right now.”
You don’t have to solve everything in one conversation. Sometimes being willing to sit with someone’s pain and help them connect with support is one of the most meaningful things you can do.
When to Seek Professional Support
Suicidal thoughts, severe hopelessness, or significant changes in functioning deserve professional attention. A therapist can help someone understand what they are experiencing, develop coping strategies, strengthen support systems, and work toward feeling more hopeful and connected.
Therapy can also be valuable before someone reaches a crisis point. You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help.
At The Center for Mindfulness and CBT, our therapists work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches can help individuals develop practical skills for managing difficult thoughts, emotions, and life circumstances.
If You Are Worried About Someone, Stay Connected
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously. Stay with them when possible, help them connect with a trusted person or mental health professional, and reduce access to lethal means when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
If there is an immediate danger or someone has already taken steps to harm themselves, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
In the United States, you can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself to use this resource—you can also contact 988 when you are concerned about someone else.
Awareness Is More Than One Month
Suicide Awareness Month is an opportunity to start conversations, but those conversations do not need to end in September.
Check in with the person who has been struggling. Ask your teenager how they are really doing. Reach out to a friend who has been unusually quiet. Make it easier for the people in your life to talk about mental health without fear of judgment.
And if you are the person who is struggling, you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
There is support available, and reaching out can be the first step toward finding it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. If there is an immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are looking for ongoing mental health support, The Center for Mindfulness and CBT is here to help. Contact our team to learn more about therapy and find a provider who may be a good fit for you or your family.