Suicide Prevention Awareness Week

September 9, 2024


It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and we’re all on a mission to eliminate barriers in crisis care access. All of us can help reduce the risk for suicide by knowing the signs and reaching out in our community.

Talking to a loved one about getting help is hard, but it can make a big difference. Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online. Your conversations are free and confidential.
Click here for immediate help
Friend and loved ones can also play a tremendous role by offering help:

Ask open ended questions
Open-ended questions seek answers beyond “yes” or “no” and usually start with "how," "what," or "where."

Be supportive
During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.

Show you're listening
Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say ____."

Bring it all together
These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, follow up with them to check in.
CLICK HERE for more local resources. Remember, we can all work together to bring about positive change in our community.