September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide, and remind those who may be struggling that help and hope are available.

At the Breaking Through Task Force, we believe that breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is an important part of suicide prevention. When people feel they will be judged, misunderstood or treated differently because they are struggling, they may be less likely to talk about what they are experiencing or reach out for support.

That is something we can all help change.

Suicide Prevention Starts With Connection

You don't have to be a mental health professional to make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes it starts with simply noticing when someone doesn't seem like themselves and taking the time to check in.

Ask how they're doing—and be willing to listen to the answer.

A conversation may not solve everything someone is experiencing, but it can remind them that they aren't facing it alone. Creating space for honest conversations about mental health also helps make asking for help feel normal rather than something that should be hidden or avoided.

If you're concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, don't be afraid to ask them directly. Talking openly about suicide does not put the idea into someone's head. Instead, asking directly can give someone permission to share what they are experiencing and open the door to getting support.

Know the Warning Signs

While every situation is different, changes in a person's words, mood or behavior may indicate that they need additional support. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, giving away important possessions, experiencing significant changes in mood or behavior, increasing alcohol or substance use, or saying they feel like a burden to others.

Take these signs seriously. Check in, listen without judgment and help connect the person with appropriate support.

Creating a Community Where It's Okay to Ask for Help

Suicide prevention isn't something that happens only during a crisis. It also happens in the way we talk about mental health every day.

It happens when we check on a friend who has been having a difficult time. When we listen without immediately trying to fix the problem. When we encourage someone to seek professional support. When we learn more about mental health and suicide prevention. And when we challenge language or attitudes that contribute to stigma.

Small actions can help build a community where people know that struggling with their mental health is not something they have to hide.

The Breaking Through Task Force was created because we believe we can do better when it comes to mental health in Dare County. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is an opportunity for each of us to be part of that effort.

Start a conversation. Check on someone you care about. Learn the warning signs. Share available resources. And most importantly, remind the people in your life that asking for help is okay.

Help Is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health-related distress or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Additional mental health, suicide prevention and community resources are available through BreakTheStigmaOBX.com.

No one person can prevent every suicide. But each of us can help create a community with more connection, more understanding, less stigma and more opportunities for someone to reach out when they need support.

Together, we can break the stigma—and remind our community that there is always hope and help available.