Part 2 in a 3 part series: Suicide Awareness Month – Recognizing the Signs, Getting Help, and Saving Lives
Juliet Christensen, LMFT
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to confront a difficult but essential topic. Suicide touches many lives—whether through personal struggles or losing someone we love—and it’s something we need to talk about openly, without fear or stigma.
The statistics around suicide are alarming, but they also underscore the importance of awareness, intervention, and support. Let’s dive into the facts, recognize the signs, and explore what we can do to help ourselves and others when suicidal thoughts arise.
What to Do If You’re Having Suicidal Thoughts
If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you don’t have to face this alone. Here are some steps you can take right now:
**Tell someone**: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, reach out and let them know what you’re going through. Talking about your feelings can be a powerful first step.
**Remove access to means**: If you have access to things that could be used to harm yourself, like firearms, medications, or sharp objects, try to remove them or ask someone to help you do so.
**Create a safety plan**: This is a personalized, practical plan that includes recognizing warning signs, identifying coping strategies, and knowing who to contact in a crisis. Many mental health apps and websites offer templates to create your own safety plan.
**Seek professional help**: A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can provide the support and treatment you need to manage suicidal thoughts. Therapy can help you work through the underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
**Use crisis resources**: If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency You can alsocontact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting “HELLO” to 741741 for free, confidential support from trained counselors.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your life is valuable, and there are people who want to help you through this
Your life matters. Your story isn’t over.
Reach out, hold on, and let others help you through the darkness.
