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September: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - Hope and Help Are Available

by Donald Penix

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and spreading the message that hope and help are always available. It's a month to have difficult but necessary conversations, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that suicide is preventable.

The Purple and Teal Ribbon: Symbol of Suicide Prevention

Purple and Teal Ribbon for Suicide Prevention

The purple and teal ribbon represents suicide prevention awareness. Purple symbolizes the pain and struggle of those affected by suicide, while teal represents hope, healing, and the support available to those in crisis. Together, these colors remind us that even in the darkest moments, hope exists and help is available.

Understanding Suicide

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. In the United States, suicide is one of the leading causes of death, claiming more than 49,000 lives each year. For every person who dies by suicide, many more attempt suicide or seriously consider it.

Behind these statistics are real people—our friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues—who were struggling with pain that felt unbearable. Suicide is not a choice made freely; it's often the result of treatable mental health conditions, overwhelming circumstances, or a temporary crisis that feels permanent.

Suicide is Preventable

The most important message of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is this: suicide is preventable. With proper support, treatment, and intervention, people in crisis can find hope and healing. Most people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die by suicide—they go on to live full lives.

Warning Signs

Recognizing warning signs can help you identify when someone may be at risk. If you notice these signs, take them seriously:

Talking About Suicide

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  • Looking for ways to kill themselves (searching online, obtaining means)
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Saying goodbye to loved ones

Behavioral Changes

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Extreme mood swings

Emotional Signs

  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being trapped
  • Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

If someone you know shows these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event or loss, don't wait. Reach out and get help.

How to Help Someone in Crisis

If you're concerned that someone may be suicidal, here's what you can do:

Ask Directly

Don't be afraid to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?" or "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Asking does not put the idea in their head—it shows you care and opens the door for them to get help.

Listen Without Judgment

Let them talk about their feelings. Don't try to talk them out of it, argue about the value of life, or offer quick solutions. Just listen with compassion.

Take It Seriously

Never dismiss suicidal thoughts or threats, even if you think the person is just seeking attention. All suicidal talk should be taken seriously.

Don't Leave Them Alone

If someone is in immediate danger, don't leave them alone. Remove any means of self-harm if possible.

Get Help

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988), take them to an emergency room, or call 911. Help them connect with a mental health professional.

Follow Up

After a crisis, continue to check in. The period after a crisis can still be high-risk. Your ongoing support matters.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255
  • Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
  • Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

These services are free, confidential, and available to anyone in crisis. You don't have to be actively suicidal to reach out—if you're struggling, they're there to help.

Risk Factors and Protective Factors

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase suicide risk:

  • Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use disorders)
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Chronic pain or illness
  • Recent loss or trauma
  • Access to lethal means
  • Social isolation

Protective Factors

These factors can reduce suicide risk:

  • Strong connections to family, friends, and community
  • Access to mental health care
  • Problem-solving and coping skills
  • Sense of purpose or meaning
  • Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide
  • Limited access to lethal means

Supporting Suicide Loss Survivors

People who have lost someone to suicide—called suicide loss survivors—face unique grief challenges. If someone you know has lost a loved one to suicide:

  • Acknowledge their loss and offer condolences
  • Don't avoid mentioning the person who died
  • Listen without judgment about how they died
  • Understand that grief from suicide loss can be complicated and long-lasting
  • Offer practical support (meals, errands, childcare)
  • Connect them with suicide loss survivor support groups
  • Remember important dates (birthdays, anniversaries)

Show Your Support This September

Wearing the purple and teal ribbon during September shows support for suicide prevention and honors those affected by suicide.

Purple and Teal Ribbon Products

At Support Circle Gifts, we offer purple and teal ribbon products for suicide prevention awareness:

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to prevent suicide worldwide. Communities hold events, share resources, and spread messages of hope on this important day.

Take Action This September

Beyond wearing the purple and teal ribbon, here are ways to support suicide prevention:

  • Learn the warning signs and how to help someone in crisis
  • Share crisis resources on social media
  • Check in on people you care about—a simple message can make a difference
  • Support mental health treatment and reduce stigma
  • Advocate for better mental health services and suicide prevention programs
  • Participate in awareness walks or events
  • If you're struggling, reach out for help—it's a sign of strength

A Message of Hope

If you're reading this and struggling with thoughts of suicide: You are not alone. What you're feeling right now is temporary, even though it doesn't feel that way. There are people who want to help you, and there are treatments that can help you feel better. Your life has value, and the world needs you in it.

Please reach out. Call 988. Text a friend. Go to an emergency room. Take one small step toward getting help. You deserve support, and hope is real.

To everyone else: We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. By learning the warning signs, knowing how to help, reducing stigma around mental health, and creating communities where people feel connected and supported, we can save lives.

This September, let's spread hope. Let's have difficult conversations. Let's remind everyone that help is available and suicide is preventable.

For more information about awareness ribbons and the causes they represent, visit our Support & Awareness Ribbon Guide.

Together, we spread hope. Together, we prevent suicide. Together, we save lives.

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