Suicide Awareness Month: Reflection on Prevention and Hope

Did you know that September is Suicide Awareness Month?

This month is dedicated to education, remembrance, and advocacy. Suicide Awareness Month isn’t just about statistics or awareness campaigns, it’s about real people, real stories, and the reminder that every single life matters. In this blog post, we want to share both professional insights and personal reflections about suicide, its impact, and the ways we can all contribute to prevention.

Over the years, our team has sat with individuals and families who have been impacted by suicide in profound and painful ways. We’ve also been witness to resilience, healing, and the power of connection that can help someone battling thoughts of suicide.

The Weight of Silence

One of the hardest parts about suicide is the silence that surrounds it. Too often, people feel they can’t talk about their struggles due to the stigma or fear of being judged. We’ve heard:

• “I sound like a broken record.”

• “Don't tell my parents..."

• “There’s something wrong with me.”

These words are heartbreaking because they reflect a world where suffering is hidden instead of shared. Silence not only deepens isolation but can also prevent people from accessing the support that could save their lives.

As professionals, friends, and family members, we have a responsibility to break that silence. By simply asking, “How are you, really?” and listening without judgment, we create space for honesty and connection. Suicide awareness is about opening the door to having conversations that might otherwise feel too heavy to hold.

Why Suicide Awareness Matters

Sadly, many myths about suicide continue to circulate, reinforcing stigma and discouraging open dialogue. The truth is that suicidal thoughts are not a sign of weakness or personal failure. While suicidal thoughts often feel deeply personal, suicide is also a societal and relational issue, shaped by the environments in which people live, work, and connect. Social inequalities, poverty, discrimination, systemic racism, gender-based violence, colonial legacies, and barriers to health care all influence who is most at risk. Suicide rates are consistently higher in communities that face marginalization, oppression, or chronic lack of access to resources. These are not individual failings; they can be reflections of broader social conditions.

At the relational level, suicide is deeply tied to connection and belonging. Humans are wired for relationships. When people feel isolated, invisible, or like a burden to others, their risk increases. On the other hand, when people feel valued, supported, and connected, their sense of hope and safety grows. Suicide prevention is not only about clinical interventions; it is also about strengthening families, friendships, workplaces, and communities so that people are not left to carry their pain alone.

Framing suicide as a societal and relational issue shifts responsibility. It means we cannot simply say, “It’s their problem.” Instead, we must ask: What kind of world are we creating? Are we building systems that promote equity, inclusion, and access to care? Are we cultivating communities where people feel they belong? Are we, in our everyday interactions, offering kindness and compassion? Suicide prevention involves both saving individual lives and building a society where people are supported to live.

Recognizing the Signs

Many people assume that people die by suicide suddenly and without warning. However, there are often signs, though they may be subtle. Important factors to pay attention to include:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities.

• Expressions of hopelessness or feeling like a burden.

• Sudden mood changes (especially a calmness after a period of despair).

• Talking about death or giving away possessions.

• Increased use of alcohol or substances.

Sometimes, these signs can be missed, especially if someone has become skilled at masking their pain. That’s why it can be important to trust your gut. If you feel something is “off” with someone you care about, it’s worth checking in.

How to Have the Conversation

One of the most common questions about suicide prevention and intervention is: “What do I say if I think someone is suicidal?” Many people fear that asking directly about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head. However, research has found that directly asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not increase these thoughts (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). In fact, asking directly can be lifesaving because it shows you are not afraid to talk about the truth. Here are some suggestions for navigating these conversations:

1. Be direct, but gentle. You might say: “I’ve noticed you seem really down lately. Sometimes when people feel this way, they think about suicide. Is that something you’ve been thinking about?”

2. Listen without rushing to fix. Often, people just want their pain to be acknowledged. Silence, nodding, and validating statements like “That sounds incredibly hard” can go a long way.

3. Encourage support. Suggest reaching out to a therapist, doctor, or crisis line. Offer to sit with them while they make the call.

4. Ensure safety. If someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Call emergency services or take them to a safe place.

5. Stay connected. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Check in regularly—sometimes just a text that says, “Thinking of you,” can remind someone they’re not alone.

Suicide Prevention as a Shared Responsibility

While individual conversations are powerful, suicide prevention is bigger than any one person. It requires community effort.

• In Schools: Educating young people about mental health, building peer support programs, and training teachers to recognize warning signs can make a profound difference.

• In Workplaces: Employers can foster cultures where taking a mental health day is as accepted as taking a sick day for the flu. Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and open conversations about stress can normalize help-seeking.

• In Society: We must advocate for accessible, affordable mental health care. Too often, people know they need help but can’t access it due to cost, waitlists, or stigma. Prevention also includes policies like restricting access to lethal means, which has been shown to reduce suicide rates.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. With the right support, people can and do recover. Hope is possible, even in the darkest moments.

What You Can Do This Month

If you’re wondering how to contribute during Suicide Awareness Month, here are a few ideas:

• Educate yourself. Learn the warning signs and practice how you might respond if someone confided in you.

• Start conversations. Ask friends or coworkers how they’re really doing.

• Support events. Attend local walks, vigils, or workshops that raise awareness and funds.

• Share resources. Social media posts can spread life-saving information to someone who needs it.

• Check in with yourself. Awareness also means paying attention to your own mental health and seeking support when needed.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Suicide Crisis Help Line: Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca

• Access 24/7: Call 780-424-2424

• Kids Help Phone (24/7): Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

References

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Frequently asked questions about suicide. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq