Suicide Prevention Month: Why Awareness Matters

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Suicide Prevention Month: Why Awareness Matters

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to recognize that suicide is a serious public health issue and to remind individuals, families, and communities that prevention is possible. Suicide does not have one single cause, and recognizing risk factors while strengthening connection and support can help save lives. (CDC⁠)

As Christians, we can recognize that mental health care and faith can work together. Scripture reminds us that we are not meant to carry life’s burdens alone: “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2, NIV). Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. Sometimes, seeking help is part of how we allow others to walk alongside us during difficult seasons.

Why Awareness Matters

Talking about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts. Instead, compassionate conversations can give someone an opportunity to share what they are experiencing and connect with support. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, feeling like a burden, increased substance use, withdrawal or isolation, significant changes in sleep, agitation, reckless behavior, or extreme mood changes. (988 Lifeline⁠)

It is also important to understand that experiencing a risk factor does not mean a person will attempt or die by suicide. Suicide risk can be influenced by many individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. Protective factors—including supportive relationships, connection to family and community, effective coping skills, reasons for living, and access to quality health care—can help reduce risk. (CDC⁠)

For Christians, hope can also be an important part of the conversation. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). When someone is experiencing overwhelming emotional pain, they may need more than encouragement to “pray about it.” They may need someone to listen without judgment, professional mental health support, medical care, or immediate crisis intervention.

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

Suicide prevention begins with noticing, asking, listening, and connecting. If you are concerned about someone, you do not have to know exactly what to say. Simply letting them know that you care and helping them connect with appropriate support can be meaningful.

Resources for Help

For anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis:

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides free, confidential support. You can contact 988 for yourself or because you are concerned about someone else. (988 Lifeline)

Online Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org to chat online.

For pregnant and postpartum individuals:

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-833-852-6262. It provides free, confidential support for pregnant and postpartum individuals and offers interpreter services in multiple languages. (Postpartum Support International (PSI))

For perinatal mental health support:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) can provide information, support, and referrals. Call 1-800-944-4773 or text “Help” to 800-944-4773 in English. PSI is not a crisis line, so immediate safety concerns should be directed to 988 or emergency services. (Postpartum Support International (PSI))

For service members, veterans, and their loved ones:

Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 to reach the Veterans/Military Crisis Line. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is staffed by trained responders who understand the experiences of military-connected individuals. (Veterans Crisis Line)

Additional Info: Explore resources and toolkits through organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Suicide prevention is not about having all the answers. Sometimes it begins with simply asking, “Are you okay?” and being willing to stay, listen, and help someone connect with support.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

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Donnulette Dulaney is the owner and founder of New Beginnings Christian Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor serving Oklahoma and Texas. She is also an Oklahoma Board-approved CEU provider and an EMDR-trained clinician. She provides mental health counseling to adults and couples experiencing a range of mental health issues and concerns. Her areas of focus include trauma, perinatal mental health, military mental health, substance use, and serious and persistent mental illness.