Suicide Prevention: Changing the Narrative and Starting the Conversation

Suicide Prevention: Changing the Narrative
and Starting the Conversation
September is an important time to bring awareness to suicide prevention and the importance of mental health support. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year on September 10, providing an opportunity for communities, healthcare professionals, families, and individuals to come together to promote awareness and prevention.

For 2024–2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) have focused on the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the call to action “Start the
Conversation.” The goal is to move away from silence, stigma, and misunderstanding and toward open, compassionate conversations about suicide and mental health.

Suicide Prevention Starts With Conversation
Talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the subject does not make the concern disappear. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), asking someone directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior and can provide an opportunity for someone to share what they are experiencing. A conversation does not require having all the answers. Sometimes, prevention begins simply by listening without judgment, taking someone's concerns seriously, and helping them connect with appropriate support.
If you are concerned about someone, consider:
• Ask: Gently and directly ask if they are thinking about suicide.
• Be there: Listen and allow them to talk about what they are experiencing without
judgment.
• Help keep them safe: If someone is at immediate risk, take steps to help keep them safe
and seek professional assistance.
• Help them connect: Encourage connection with a mental health professional, healthcare
provider, trusted family member, or crisis resource.
• Follow up: Continue checking in and offering support.
These five steps are recommended by NIMH as practical ways to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Know the Warning Signs
Suicide risk does not always look the same from person to person. The NIMH identifies several warning signs that may indicate someone is experiencing significant emotional distress or thinking about suicide.
These can include:
• Talking about wanting to die
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, being trapped, or having no reason to live
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Experiencing intense emotional or physical pain
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye
• Making a suicide plan or researching ways to die
• Significant changes in sleeping or eating
• Extreme mood changes
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Taking dangerous or unnecessary risks
A new or increasing change in behavior deserves attention, particularly when several warning signs occur together.

Understanding Suicide Risk
It is important to remember that suicide is complex. There is no single cause of suicide, and having a particular risk factor does not mean that a person will attempt suicide. The CDC identifies risk factors at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. These may include a previous suicide attempt, mental health conditions, substance use, chronic pain, financial or legal problems, relationship difficulties, bullying, social isolation, lack of access to healthcare, and other stressful circumstances. At the same time, there are protective factors that can help reduce risk. These include strong relationships and social connections, effective coping and problemsolving skills, reasons for living, connection to community, and access to quality physical and
behavioral healthcare. This is why suicide prevention is not simply about recognizing warning signs. It is also about building connection, increasing access to care, reducing stigma, and helping people develop support systems before a crisis occurs.

Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength
Mental health challenges can affect anyone. People may experience depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, financial stress, major life changes, or other circumstances that can feel overwhelming.
Seeking professional help can be an important part of addressing these challenges. Mental health treatment may include therapy, medication when appropriate, crisis intervention, or other forms of behavioral healthcare based on an individual's needs. You do not have to wait until you are in a crisis to ask for help. If you notice changes in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out early can be an important step.

If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental
health crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can
also access the service through online chat. The service provides free,
confidential support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts,
emotional distress, or other mental health-related concerns. Call Psycamore Mental Health Programs (during working hours) 1-877-PSYCH4YOU (1-877-779-2448). If someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Changing the Narrative Starts With Us
Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility. We can help change the narrative by being willing to talk about mental health, listening when someone is struggling, recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma, and connecting people with professional support. A simple conversation may be the beginning of someone getting the help they need.

This Suicide Prevention Month, let's start the conversation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available.
Call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Trusted Resources
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Suicide Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Suicide Prevention
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 988 Suicide &
Crisis Lifeline
• World Health Organization (WHO): World Suicide Prevention Day