Each September, we observe Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that help and hope are always available.

For many families and communities, suicide is not just a statistic but a deeply personal issue that has touched their lives. By speaking openly, we can bring light to a subject that too often remains in the shadows.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is still widely misunderstood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people lost their lives to suicide in 2022, and millions more struggled with serious thoughts of ending their life. Behind every number is a neighbor, coworker, parent, sibling, or friend whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.

Warning Signs

Knowing the signs of suicide can help us act before a crisis turns tragic. Some common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden to others

• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities that were once enjoyed

• Noticeable changes in mood, including sudden calmness after a period of distress

• Sleeping too much or too little, or significant changes in eating habits

• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors

It is important to remember that not everyone shows clear warning signs. That’s why maintaining open conversations about mental health is so important.

How You Can Help

If you notice these signs in someone you care about, don’t stay silent. Asking directly if someone is thinking about suicide does not “plant the idea” in their mind. Instead, it can provide relief, show that you care, and open a door to getting help.

Start by listening without judgment. Avoid trying to “fix” everything right away as sometimes what a person needs most is to feel heard and understood. Encourage them to reach out to a trusted friend, a health professional, or a support service. Offering to sit with them while they make a call or accompanying them to an appointment can provide comfort and reduce fear.

Even small acts matter: sending a text to check in, inviting someone for coffee, or letting them know you’re available to listen. These gestures remind people that they are not alone, even in moments of deep despair.

Hope and Help Are Here

If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to remember that help is always available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential service that connects you to trained counselors 24/7. By dialing or texting 988, you can get immediate support and guidance.

Suicide prevention is not only about crisis response. It is about building communities where people feel connected, supported, and valued every day. By checking in on each other, speaking openly about mental health, and sharing resources, we can break down stigma and save lives.

This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to being present for one another. A single conversation may not solve everything, but it can provide hope.

Hope can save a life.

Heather Young, CRNP, is with UPMC Behavioral Health and sees patients at 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, Pa. To make an appointment with Heather, call 570-320-7525. To learn more about UPMC Behavioral Health services in North Central Pa., go to UPMC.com/BehavioralHealthNCPA.