Suicide Prevention Month: Why Paying Attention Matters

#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth #WarningSigns #ReduceTheStigma #StartTheConversation #BeTheDifference #PayAttention

DISCLAIMER: This blog article contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, text at 741741, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Imagine this: You have a colleague who’s always been the life of the office. They are always cracking jokes, quick to lend a hand, or the first to sign up for team projects. But lately, something has changed. They’ve grown quieter. Stopped joining everyone for lunch. Started missing deadlines. Then one day you overhear them say, “I don’t think anyone would miss me if I was gone.” What would you do? Would you brush it off as stress, assuming they’re just having a rough week? Or would you pause and consider that these could be warning signs of something more serious? This is why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters. Suicide is preventable; but only if we’re willing to notice the signs and take them seriously.

Warning Signs in Conversation

When someone is in pain, it might be hard for them to find the right words, but their feelings often come out in what they say. You might hear them say something that sounds like they're feeling like a burden to others, or that there's no reason to keep going. Sometimes, they'll talk about feeling completely trapped, like there's no way out. It's so important to listen carefully for these kinds of comments, especially if they mention things like unbearable pain or feeling utterly hopeless. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward showing them they're not alone and that there is help.

Warning Signs in Behavior

While it's important to listen to what someone says, sometimes their actions speak even louder than words. If you're concerned about a friend or loved one, pay attention to changes in their behavior. Are they giving away their favorite things or suddenly getting their affairs in order? Have they stopped spending time with the people they used to be close to? Other behavioral signs to watch for include a big change in their sleep patterns, like sleeping way more or way less than usual, engaging in risky or reckless activities, or an increase in alcohol or drug use. It's also a major red flag if they seem to be researching ways to end their life online. Recognizing these actions can be the first step in offering the support they need.

Warning Signs in Teens

Teenagers can be hard to read sometimes, and their struggles might show up in ways that look like typical adolescent behavior. It's so important to pay close attention and not dismiss what you see. Watch for sudden changes in their personality or behavior, like a social teen becoming withdrawn, or a normally calm teen becoming more irritable or hostile. Other red flags include a loss of interest in activities they used to love, like sports or clubs, a big drop in their grades, or skipping school. Sometimes, their pain appears in more subtle ways, such as giving away prized possessions, making art or writing about death, or through risky behaviors like substance use or self-harm. Don't overlook changes in their eating or sleeping habits, or comments that suggest they feel worthless or that others would be better off without them. These are not just "phases." They can be silent calls for help that require a compassionate and immediate response.

How You Can Help

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's crucial to act immediately and not wait. The best thing you can do is approach the person with genuine care and compassion. A simple but direct question like, "Are you thinking about suicide?" can open the door for them to talk and shows that you're there for them. When they do open up, listen without judgment—it's important to let them share their feelings without minimizing what they're going through. When it comes to teens, it's vital to avoid keeping secrets and to involve a trusted adult who can help. Most importantly, get professional help right away. You can connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or you can take them to the nearest emergency room. Your action could save a life.

Resources for Teens and Young Adults

Several key organizations are dedicated to helping those in crisis. The Trevor Project focuses on providing crisis support and suicide prevention specifically for LGBTQ youth. For immediate help, the Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 support—you can simply text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US. Additionally, The Jed Foundation (JED) works to protect the emotional health of teens and young adults by equipping them with skills and support to prevent suicide.

Those moments when someone pulls away; stops showing up like they used to; or says something that sounds offhand but heavy, those are the times to lean in, not look away. Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference: a question asked, a conversation started, a hand extended. This is why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters. Changes in behavior; concerning conversations; or shifts in mood, especially in teens and young adults, are often warning signs that someone may be struggling. When we notice, ask directly, and connect them to support, we open the door to hope. Let’s be the ones who notice. The ones who ask. The ones who act. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You don’t have to go through this alone. And as always, please remember. Wherever you are on this wellness journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Until next time. Happy reading.

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” ~Cheryl Richardson

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