Shining a Light Together: Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to embrace compassion, promote healing, and act to prevent suicide. It’s a moment to recognize the struggles around us and to affirm that no one has to face them alone.

Why This Month Matters

• In 2023, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the U.S.—that’s one life lost approximately every 11 minutes. Similarly, 12.8 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted it  .

• Among high school students, 1 in 5 seriously considered attempting suicide, 1 in 6 made a plan, and 1 in 10 actually attempted it  .

• Strikingly, 42.4% of U.S. adults personally knew someone who died by suicide, and those with suicidal thoughts were even more likely to have experienced this loss  .

What You Can Do: Compassion in Action

• Learn the warning signs—changes in mood, isolation, expressions of hopelessness. Recognize, listen, and respond.

• Speak openly about suicide. Asking directly—“Are you thinking about suicide?”—can be a life-saving act. Silence can leave people stranded in dark thoughts.

• Use and share trusted resources:

  • SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Toolkit offers practical guides for recognizing signs and talking about mental wellbeing   .

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—call, text, or chat 988 for free, 24/7 confidential support  .

  • NIMH Digital Shareables—download graphics and messages to raise awareness  .

  • SPRC Ideas for Action—community-focused ideas to help spread hope and build connection  .

  • NAMI Suicide Prevention Toolkit—use it to guide conversations and advocacy  .

Mark Your Calendar & Join the Movement

• World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10—a day for remembrance, hope, and action  .

• #BeThe1To is the 988 Lifeline’s theme this month, encouraging us all to be that one connection who reaches out  .

• Local communities, like Laredo, host candlelight vigils—e.g., on September 10, a symbolic gathering offering support and remembrance  .

A Vision of Compassion

Every action—big or small—sends a message: that help is possible, and healing is real.

• Ask how someone truly is—and listen without judgment.

• Share hope and direct them to real resources like 988.

• Consider organizing or joining events—vigil, artwork, group talks, or wellness workshops.

You’re Not Alone—Now or Ever

If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed, call, text, or chat 988 anytime—it’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 US-wide.

Let this month be a ripple of light, community, and renewed hope. Because every voice we lend, every connection we offer, may help someone find another moment worth living.