Thursday, October 1, 2026
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United States, (WNN)— September is suicide awareness and prevention month. For many years, the subject has been considered taboo; thus, not much discussion has taken place. More recently, efforts have begun to bring awareness of warning signs and how to aid in intervention and possible prevention.
Previously, suicide had been erroneously labeled as a cowardly and selfish act. Surviving family members were sometimes shunned and ridiculed. Some religious denominations even suggested there was no hope for the person’s soul that took their own life. Thankfully, awareness has been made that corrects these damaging ideas.
Mental health issues and their educational awareness have been steadily moving to the forefront of discussions centering around overall health and well-being. The importance of both physical and mental health is now being taught together, and the stigma is slowly being eroded.
Afterwards, many times, family or friends will wonder how this could have happened or how they didn’t realize that anything this serious was wrong. We’ll take a brief look at some of the signs to look for. A feeling of or an expression that they are a burden, that their life simply does not matter to anyone. They begin to isolate themselves, avoiding family and friends.
Warning Signs of Suicide
National Institute of Mental Health
Their anxiety might increase, and substance abuse might also begin or increase, resulting in hurtful or reckless behavior. This can lead to changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too little or too much, and an increase in mood swings accompanied by increased anger or rage.
Despondent behavior, such as expressing hopelessness or that they are dealing with unbearable pain. Many times, there will be talk or posts made about wanting to do self-harm or wishing they were never born. A major red flag is talking about or writing out a plan of how to end their life.
The decision is usually thought out over time, and many times, much preparation is made.
If you see some or all of these warning signs in a friend or relative, now what? The first and most obvious suggestion is not to ignore the signs. Ask them if they are in a good place or if they are alright. Start a conversation. The important thing is to make sure they are safe and keep them that way. Don’t be embarrassed to just ask. If they confide anything in you, then either direct them on how or where to get help.
Make sure you are there for them and that they know you care and will be there if needed. Follow up and stay in touch. Invest your time in them, and build a relationship and trust. Don’t just presume they are alright; make sure they are doing better.
What if I am the person having harmful thoughts? Maybe no one will listen or take the conversation seriously, what then? First, remember no one is alone. There are options. Trained professionals are available 24/7 at the suicide and crisis lifeline. The number is easy to remember, just text or call 988. Someone is there to listen and to help.
Reaching out to a family member, colleague, or minister is always an option. Many areas also have mental health professionals who are readily available. No matter which direction you are taking, seek help, don’t go it alone.
The history of wearing ribbons to bring awareness can be traced back to World War I. Women began to wear yellow ribbons to symbolize their hope for the safe return of their loved ones.
Various causes began to adopt the use of ribbons to raise awareness, such as breast cancer (pink) and HIV/AIDS (red). More recently, they have expanded to include all forms of cancer, autism, mental health issues, and suicide. The colors are not chosen at random; each color represented makes a statement. Suicide awareness ribbons were traditionally yellow. The color has always been synonymous with hope and light; it is also a reminder to “stay” during dark times, that not giving in will bring the promise of a brighter future.
The main colors now for suicide awareness and prevention are teal and purple. Teal is associated with healing and tranquility. It represents understanding and support. It also ties in the link between mental health and suicide prevention. Purple promotes the fight against suicide, acknowledging that there is pain and loss for those who have lost a loved one to self-harm.
According to 2023 reports from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, out of the leading causes of deaths in the United States suicide was 11th, claiming over 49,300 people.
U.S. suicide rates, 2000–2023
CDC
A sobering thought is that there were two times as many suicides (49,316) as homicides (22,830). The news and social media talk about murders much more than suicides for various reasons. As much as we hear about homicides, it is shocking to think that for each of those, there are two people taking their own lives. Broken down by age, elderly men were the most likely to take their life, followed by ages 10-34, and in 4th was ages 35-44.
Suicide rates by age and gender, 2023
CDC
This seems to be an issue that does not discriminate due to age. Mental health is important to each of us, and we need to learn how to take care of it as much as our physical health. It is also important to stay connected to family and friends.
Don’t be afraid to check in on those you care about, especially if they have experienced anything negative or live alone. Offering hope and showing that someone cares just might save a life.
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