mother holds young girl on her lap, comforting her

This National Suicide Prevention Month, Start a Conversation

Published September 10, 2026

Parenting

Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering death by suicide, call or text 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and one of the best ways to prevent death by suicide is by talking about suicide and mental health early and often. That’s why we’re loading up this article with information and resources that you can share and discuss with your child so you all feel empowered to help someone who might be struggling.

Suicide, or “death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die,” according to the CDC, is an incredibly important topic to talk about precisely because it is preventable. Historically, the topic of death and attempted death by suicide has been treated with silence, shame, and misunderstanding, when really, one of the best methods of prevention is to help someone who is struggling feel supported and get the resources they need. Read on to learn more about why this month is so important and steps you can take to help prevent someone from dying by suicide.

The Importance of National Suicide Prevention Month

In 2024, close to 49,000 people died by suicide. While death by suicide happens across all demographics, some populations have higher rates than others. According to the Yale Public School of Health, older adults, American Indian/Alaska Native people, young people who identify as LGBTQ+, and veterans all experience higher death by suicide rates than other demographics, and rates are also increasing among young Black people and preteen girls.

Death by suicide doesn’t just impact the person who passes away, however—their family, friends, and their larger community can experience feelings of loss, grief, anger, sadness, and hopelessness, which can also lead to thoughts of death by suicide. According to a recent study by the CDC, about 42% of American adults know someone who has died by suicide, and 58% of adults who reported having suicidal thoughts also knew someone who died by suicide. This is one of the reasons why National Suicide Prevention Month can be so essential and so healing, because it creates a space where people who have lost someone they know to suicide can share their stories and feel connected with others who have experienced similar loss, rather than feel alone and isolated.

September was deliberately chosen as National Suicide Prevention Month, since it’s the time of year when kids go back to school and adults go back to their post-summer work routines. Since this shift in rhythm can affect one’s mental health, September is a great time to share additional support and resources for anyone who may be struggling.

Recognizing Warning Signs & Risk Factors

While death by suicide is not caused by one single factor, it’s still important to recognize some of the common warning signs and risk factors. That way, you and your child can feel empowered to start a conversation with someone who may be struggling and help them get the support they need.

Keep a look out for some common warning signs:

  • Saying they feel hopeless or want to die or feel like a burden
  • More extreme mood changes
  • Withdrawing from their family, friends, or community
  • Lack of interest in their usual hobbies or activities
  • Changes in their school or work performance
  • Using drugs or alcohol more frequently

As we mentioned earlier, death by suicide isn’t caused by one singular factor, but can be caused by a combination that range from someone’s individual circumstances, their relationships with others, or larger, community aspects. Here are some to consider, according to The Ness Center:

Individual Risk Factors

  • Previous attempts of death by suicide
  • History of mental conditions, such as depression or anxiety
  • Major life changes, such as losing a job or a loved one
  • Living with chronic pain or illness
  • Substance use/abuse
  • History of trauma or having experienced traumatic events
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Aggressive, impulsive, or violent behaviors

Relationship Risk Factors

  • Bullying
  • In violent or volatile relationships
  • Losing relationships or social isolation
  • Losing a loved one to suicide

Community & Societal Risk Factors

  • Losing community members to suicide
  • Community violence
  • Discrimination
  • Limited access to healthcare
  • Changing beliefs or losing traditions
  • Stigma around mental health challenges and death by suicide

Prevention Tips & Starting a Conversation

One of the best ways to prevent death by suicide and save lives is by talking about mental health openly and without judgment. When people feel like it’s safe, they can speak up and ask for help, and others can more easily ask them if they need help without them withdrawing.

If you know someone who you believe may be suicidal, follow these steps:

  • Ask them directly, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” This might feel uncomfortable, but it shows that you care.
  • Listen to their response without judgment or criticism.
  • Stay with them if you’re concerned that they may harm themself.
  • Connect them to support. You can call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Line, or have them contact their therapist (if they have one).
  • Follow up with them after the crisis has passed and remind them that they’re not alone.

In your own home, you can create a safer environment for your child by talking regularly to them about their mental health, building stronger relationships with them and other people in your community who care about them, and securely storing firearms and prescriptions in a safe or lock box.

Additional Resources

For more information on how to prevent death by suicide, check out these resources:

While it’s not always an easy topic to discuss, having open conversations about suicide and mental health with your child can help you both save lives. By knowing the warning signs to look for, understanding the risk factors, and having the tools you need to help someone in a crisis, you and your child can be the support for someone when they need it the most. So, this National Suicide Prevention Month, start a conversation—you never know just how helpful it might be.

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