September is a season of change. As the long days of summer give way to crisp mornings and quiet evenings, it naturally invites us into reflection. It's also a month that holds deep meaning in the world of mental health: September is Suicide Prevention Month. It's a time not only to raise awareness but to encourage conversations—real, honest, and compassionate ones—about mental health, reaching out, and finding hope.
Let's talk about it.
When Jasmine first reached out for therapy, she almost canceled our initial appointment. She described herself as "exhausted, overwhelmed, and numb." What she didn't say until several weeks later was that she'd been having quiet, persistent thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore.
"They weren't dramatic," she explained one day in session. "I just kept thinking, What's the point? What if things never change?"
As we gently explored these thoughts together, I asked her directly, "Have you had thoughts of suicide?" She looked surprised—and then relieved. "Yeah," she said. "But no one's ever asked me that. And I didn't know how to bring it up without scaring someone."
Too often, people struggle silently with thoughts of suicide or hopelessness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2021, with nearly 50,000 lives lost. Behind each number is a person—a story, a network of people who loved them, and a loss that ripples outward.
Yet, here's what's also true: Help works. Connection heals. And people do get better.
We spent that session not rushing to fix anything, but just making space. Jasmine shared that she felt like a burden in her friendships, ashamed of how "stuck" she felt, and unsure whether she even deserved help.
Through therapy, Jasmine began to name the parts of her that were holding deep pain—and also the parts that were still hoping things could get better. She discovered that her suicidal thoughts weren't a desire to die, but a deep longing for relief. "I didn't really want to die," she said one day. "I just wanted to stop hurting—and I didn't know there were other ways."
We have to engage in difficult conversations. We have to make it okay to say, "I'm not okay." And we have to make it normal to ask someone, "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" without fear, shame, or panic. Research has shown that asking directly about suicide does not increase risk—in fact, it can reduce distress and create an opening for support (Dazzi et al., 2014).
Therapists often see people when they're at a breaking point. But we also see people who begin to heal as soon as they're met with empathy and safety. Sometimes the bravest step is simply telling the truth about your pain. Other times, it's picking up the phone or replying to that one check-in text. Healing doesn't always look dramatic—it often begins in quiet, courageous ways.
Over time, Jasmine built a safety plan, reconnected with two supportive friends, and began practicing small, consistent acts of care—eating meals, getting outside, journaling her thoughts. What began in silence grew into a story of healing. "I still have hard days," she says now, "but I don't feel alone in them anymore. That's the difference."
If you're reading this and you've had thoughts of suicide, know this: You are not alone. Your pain is valid, and there are people who want to walk with you through it. Whether it's a trusted friend, a therapist, or a crisis line, reaching out can be the beginning of a new chapter.
If you're someone who wants to support others, here are a few things you can do:
- Check in, even when it feels awkward. A simple "Hey, how are you really doing?" can open a door.
- Learn the signs. Withdrawing, increased substance use, expressing hopelessness, or talking about being a burden can all be indicators someone needs support (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2024).
- Be willing to sit with discomfort. You don't need to fix it. Just be present and offer to help them find professional support.
This month, consider making space for conversations about emotional health. Ask your loved ones how they're doing—really doing. Share your own story, if it feels safe. Let's normalize emotional check-ins the same way we talk about physical health.
Growth and self-discovery don't always come from happy places. Sometimes they come from sitting in the dark long enough to see the glimmers of light begin to return. Recovery from suicidal thoughts is real. Lives change. People heal. And often, it starts with one honest conversation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out to:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
- Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor
- Or connect with a therapist or mental health provider in your area
References
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024). Risk factors and warning signs. https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide data and statistics.
Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear, N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? Psychological Medicine, 44(16), 3361–3363.
