September is Suicide Prevention Month, but suicide prevention is not limited to a single month. It is an ongoing responsibility shared by families, friends, clinicians, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Suicide is preventable. While there is no single cause, risk can increase in the setting of depression and other mental illnesses, substance use, social isolation, relationship or financial stress, prior suicide attempts, and access to lethal means. At the same time, strong social connections, access to high-quality care, coping skills, and supportive relationships can all be protective.
The most important part of prevention is often recognizing when someone may be struggling and knowing what to do next.
1. Learn the warning signs
Warning signs may include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, saying they are a burden, withdrawing from others, increasing alcohol or drug use, severe agitation, reckless behavior, major changes in sleep, or extreme mood swings. These signs are especially concerning when they are new, worsening, or follow a significant loss or stressful event.
Not everyone who is suicidal will show obvious warning signs. A person may continue working, parenting, attending school, or interacting socially while experiencing significant emotional pain.
2. Ask directly
If you are concerned about someone, it is appropriate to ask clearly:
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
Avoid vague questions such as, “You are not going to do anything, right?” Direct, calm questions make it easier for someone to answer honestly.
The goal is not to conduct a clinical assessment yourself. The goal is to open a conversation and determine whether additional help is needed.
3. Listen before trying to fix the problem
When someone shares suicidal thoughts, the instinct may be to reassure them immediately or explain why they should not feel that way. Statements such as “You have so much to live for” may be well intentioned, but they can unintentionally make someone feel misunderstood.
Instead, listen. Acknowledge that they are struggling. Stay present and avoid judgment.
You do not need to have the perfect response. Connection itself can be protective, and suicide prevention efforts increasingly emphasize the importance of strengthening supportive relationships before and during periods of crisis.
4. Take access to lethal means seriously
When someone is at elevated risk, reducing access to highly lethal methods can create critical time between a suicidal impulse and an irreversible action.
Firearms should be securely stored and temporarily made inaccessible when appropriate. Potentially dangerous medications can also be secured, limited, or managed by another trusted person.
This is not about punishment or taking control away from someone. It is a practical safety measure during a period when judgment and impulse control may be affected. The CDC specifically includes secure storage of firearms, medications, and other lethal means as an important suicide-prevention strategy.
5. Create a safety plan
A safety plan is a personalized set of steps someone can use when suicidal thoughts intensify. It can include recognizing personal warning signs, identifying coping strategies, listing people who can provide support, identifying professional resources, and establishing steps to make the environment safer.
Safety planning is most useful when created before a crisis becomes overwhelming and, when possible, with a mental health professional. SAMHSA specifically highlights safety planning as an evidence-informed component of suicide prevention.
6. Reach out before the situation becomes a crisis
A person does not need to wait until they are in immediate danger to seek help.
Talking with a psychiatrist, therapist, primary care clinician, trusted family member, or another supportive person can help interrupt the progression from distress to crisis.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day by call, text, or chat. Importantly, 988 is not only for people who are actively suicidal. It can also be used by people experiencing significant emotional distress or by someone worried about a loved one.
7. Continue checking in
Support should not end once the immediate crisis has passed.
A phone call, text message, appointment, or simple question such as “How are you doing today?” can reinforce connection and help someone remain engaged with treatment and support.
Suicide prevention is rarely one dramatic intervention. More often, it is a series of small actions: noticing a change, asking a difficult question, making the environment safer, helping someone access care, and continuing to show up.
Treatment works. People can and do recover from periods of suicidal thinking and profound emotional distress.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or significant emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
For the Instagram carousel, the cleanest practical sequence from this article is: Know the signs → Ask directly → Listen → Reduce access to lethal means → Make a safety plan → Connect to help → Follow up.