National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a campaign held every year to bring attention to suicide and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The goal of this month is not only to raise awareness of the warning signs of suicide but also to spread the message that prevention is possible. It aims to encourage open dialogue about mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and ensure that those who are suffering feel supported and heard.
Throughout the month, mental health organizations, advocates, and community groups come together to share resources, educate the public on suicide prevention, and offer support to those affected by suicide. Events, webinars, fundraisers, and outreach efforts take place nationwide to promote understanding and provide resources that may save lives.
According to the 2024 State of Mental Health report, the number of suicide deaths in 2022 was the highest ever recorded in the U.S., highlighting the ongoing need for suicide prevention efforts and support services.
The History of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The origins of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month are rooted in the efforts of advocacy groups and organizations committed to preventing suicide and promoting mental health. One of the key organizations behind this movement is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which has been leading the charge in research, education, and advocacy for years.
Suicide prevention efforts gained national recognition in 2004 with the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a toll-free number that provides confidential crisis support 24/7. This service has been a critical resource in suicide prevention and continues to be at the heart of awareness campaigns during this month.
Over time, September became recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day falling on September 10 each year. This day is recognized globally and focuses on bringing people together to raise awareness, foster understanding, and promote action.
Why National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Matters
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people affected by the loss of loved ones each year. National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters because it reminds us that we all play a role in preventing suicide. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs, having open conversations about mental health, and ensuring that those who are struggling know that help is available.
During this month, we also focus on the importance of education. Understanding the risk factors for suicide—such as mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, or chronic illness—can help save lives. Additionally, awareness campaigns encourage people to seek help if they or someone they know is in crisis. It’s a time to learn how to listen, how to offer support, and how to connect those at risk with the resources they need.
The Role of Therapists in Suicide Prevention
Therapists play a crucial role in suicide prevention, acting as both healers and guides in the journey toward mental wellness. They provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—often uncovering hidden pain or distress that may lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Identifying Risk Factors: Therapists are trained to recognize early signs of suicidal ideation and risk factors such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse. Through careful assessment, they can identify individuals who may be at heightened risk and intervene before a crisis occurs.
- Providing a Supportive Relationship: One of the most important roles therapists play is building a supportive, trusting relationship with their clients. This connection can often be life-saving for those experiencing feelings of isolation or hopelessness. Clients who feel heard, understood, and supported are more likely to open up about their struggles and seek help.
- Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists work with clients to develop effective coping strategies for managing suicidal thoughts and the underlying conditions that contribute to them. This may involve cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, emotional regulation tools, or crisis planning to ensure that individuals have the resources they need to navigate difficult moments.
- Crisis Intervention: In times of immediate crisis, therapists are trained to provide direct intervention, including safety planning, hospitalization if needed, and coordinating with other mental health professionals and support systems. Their role extends beyond regular therapy sessions—they act as advocates for the well-being and safety of their clients.
- Addressing Stigma: Therapists also work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide by encouraging open conversations and normalizing the need for help. They help clients understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and guide them through the process of seeking support.
If you are in immediate crisis, call 988 or 911. If, however, you are not in immediate crisis and would like to work with a therapist, you can use our therapist directory to find a therapist or contact us with questions.