2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is a very important time for us at Mental Health America in Montgomery (MHAM). But what is the main purpose of this month?

The goal of Suicide Prevention Month is to talk openly about mental health. For a long time, people were scared to talk about suicide. This silence made it hard for people to get help. By speaking up, we show that it is safe to talk about our struggles.

This month, our purpose is to share a message of hope. We want everyone to know they are never alone. At MHAM, we always say that it is okay to not be okay. September reminds us to check on our friends and family. A simple text or phone call to say, “How are you doing?” can save a life.

Suicide Prevention Month is also a time to share tools that can help. We want our community to know where to go when life gets tough. If you or a loved one needs help right now, please reach out. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free, private, and open all day and night.

Together, we can support each other. We are always here for you!

Warning Signs

Any one of these signs does not necessarily mean a person is considering suicide, but several of these symptoms together may signal a need for help:

  • Saying things like, “you’d be better off without me” or “maybe I won’t be around.”
  • Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Daring or risk-taking behavior
  • Personality changes
  • Depression
  • Giving away valued and important possessions
  • Lack of interest in future plans

The majority of suicides worldwide are related to mental health conditions; depression, substance use, and psychosis are the biggest risk factors.

Remember: 8 out of 10 people who are considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. Talking about suicide is not a typical response to stress. All talk of suicide should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

If you think someone is considering suicide:

  • Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble.
  • Talk with the person about your concerns. Communication needs to include listening to the person.
  • Ask direct questions without being judgmental. Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.
  • Get professional help, even if the person resists.
  • Do not leave the person alone.
  • Do not swear to secrecy.
  • Do not act shocked or judgmental.
  • Do not counsel the person yourself.

Suicide Prevention Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline. Trained crisis workers will listen to you and direct you to the resources you need.

Click here for more resources for immediate response.

No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly. We should all learn more about suicide, self-harm, and mental health so that the stigma surrounding the topic is reduced and people aren’t afraid of openly talking about their struggles before crisis.

Additional Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Line
Phone: 988
Website URL: 988lifeline.org

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016-3007
Phone Number: (202) 966-7300
Fax: (202) 966-2891
Email Address: clinical@aacap.org
Website URL: www.aacap.org

American Association of Suicidology
Phone Number: (202) 237-2280
Website URL: www.suicidology.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Phone Number: 888-333-AFSP (2377)
Website URL: www.afsp.org