September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to bring awareness to suicide, reduce stigma, and remind people that they do not have to navigate overwhelming emotional pain alone.
Suicide can be difficult to talk about.
Many people worry that bringing it up will make things worse, put the idea into someone's head, or create an uncomfortable conversation.
But avoiding the conversation doesn't make emotional pain disappear.
Sometimes, compassionate and direct conversations create an opportunity for someone who is struggling to finally feel seen, heard, and supported.
Suicide Prevention Starts With Noticing
Sometimes emotional distress isn't obvious.
A person may continue going to work, taking care of their children, attending school, responding to texts, or showing up for everyone else while privately feeling exhausted, hopeless, or disconnected.
Some signs that may warrant a closer look include:
- Pulling away from friends, family, or activities
- Feeling hopeless or like things will never improve
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
- Increased substance use
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways
- Expressing that they don't want to be here
- Saying that others would be better off without them
- Experiencing a major loss, transition, trauma, or crisis
None of these automatically mean someone is suicidal.
They are simply reasons to slow down, pay attention, and check in.
It's Okay to Ask Directly
If you're worried about someone, you don't have to find the perfect words.
You can start with:
"I've noticed you've seemed really overwhelmed lately. How are you really doing?"
Or, if you're concerned about suicide specifically:
"Sometimes when people are feeling this overwhelmed, they have thoughts about not wanting to be alive. Have you been having thoughts like that?"
Asking directly does not cause someone to become suicidal.
It can communicate something incredibly important:
I'm willing to talk about this with you.
You Don't Have to Fix Everything
Supporting someone who is struggling doesn't mean becoming their therapist or taking responsibility for keeping them okay by yourself.
You can listen.
You can stay present.
You can help them connect with professional support.
You can encourage them to contact a crisis resource.
And you can involve additional support when safety is a concern.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can say is:
"I'm really glad you told me. You don't have to handle this alone."
If You're the Person Struggling
If you've been experiencing thoughts of suicide or feeling like there is no way forward, you don't have to wait until things become unbearable before reaching out.
You can tell a therapist, physician, trusted friend, family member, or another person you feel safe with what you're experiencing.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger or have already seriously harmed yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Suicide prevention isn't only about responding when someone is already in crisis.
It is also about creating communities where people feel safe enough to say:
"I'm struggling."
"I don't know how to do this."
"I need help."
Sometimes prevention begins with one conversation.
And sometimes that conversation begins with:
"How are you really doing?"
Tools for Your Reflection
Suicide prevention is one part of a much larger conversation about emotional wellness.
Learning to recognize your emotions, understand your patterns, and identify what you need can help you build a stronger relationship with yourself—not just respond when you're already overwhelmed.
The Keys to Felicity Workbook offers a structured space for reflection, self-awareness, and intentional growth.
This isn't a crisis resource or a replacement for professional support. It's a tool for the deeper work of understanding yourself and the life you're creating.
Explore the Keys to Felicity Workbook →
A Note From Felicity Counseling Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate support. In the United States, call or text 988. In an immediate emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
You don't have to navigate difficult moments alone.
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