September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — and it’s time we talk honestly about what prevention really means.
We often tell people who are struggling: “Call me if you need anything.” But as a therapist, I can tell you what I hear most often: when someone is caught in suicidal thoughts, they usually don’t call. They may not even answer the phone. Not because they don’t care — but because depression, hopelessness, and shame can make even that one step feel impossible.
Yes, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available — you can call or text anytime, and it does save lives. And, prevention is bigger than hotlines. It’s about all of us noticing the signs, and reaching out first, despite our individual personal thoughts about suicide (thinking of suicide as being selfish, etc).
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Feeling like a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped, or without reason to live
Extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Overwhelmed by emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
Taking dangerous risks (like driving extremely fast)
Extreme mood swings
Sleeping or eating much more — or much less
Increasing drug or alcohol use
For people living with PTSD, the risk can feel even heavier. Trauma symptoms can intensify, and you may see:
Heightened hypervigilance (always on edge, jumpy, or unable to relax)
Nightmares or flashbacks becoming more frequent
Increased avoidance behaviors (avoiding people, places, or conversations that trigger memories)
Stronger feelings of detachment, numbness, or anger
These are signs that someone may need more support, not less. When PTSD symptoms flare, reaching out to them — and reminding them they’re not alone — is just as critical.
Don’t wait for them to call. Be the one who sends the text, makes the call, or shows up.
Pause the conflict. If you’re in an argument and you sense they’re sad, lonely, or acting “off” — the argument can wait. Their wellbeing can’t.
Reach out in small ways. Even a quick “Thinking of you” can be a lifeline.
We all get busy. But connection only takes a few minutes — and those few minutes could save a life.
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please dial or text 988 anytime to connect with trained crisis counselors.
And for the rest of us: let’s stop waiting for people to reach out — and start being the ones who make the call.
With care,
Mary (LCSW) + The Jam’n Hemp Co. Family
Reference: NIMH – Warning Signs of Suicide
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