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September is Suicide Prevention Month: How to Support a Loved One in Crisis

Two people sit close together on a bench at sunset, one leaning on the other for support. Their silhouettes suggest comfort, care, and quiet presence.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share life-saving information and support. It’s also a reminder that conversations about suicide aren’t just for professionals. They’re for friends, family members, neighbors, and anyone who cares about the well-being of others.


If you’re worried someone you care about might be thinking about suicide, you don’t have to have all the right words or a perfect plan. What matters most is showing up, listening, and letting them know they’re not alone. Sometimes, just one conversation can create enough hope for a person to take the next step toward help.



How to Recognize the Warning Signs


Every person and situation is unique, but these warning signs can mean someone’s in crisis. If you notice these signs, take them seriously.


  • Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless

  • Pulling away from friends, family, and usual activities

  • Changes in sleep or appetite

  • Giving away belongings or saying goodbye unexpectedly

  • Increased alcohol or drug use

  • Extreme mood swings


Knowing what to say and what to do can make a real difference. If you find out someone is thinking about self-harm, don’t freak out. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Stay calm, engaged, and empathetic. Even if you’re unsure and afraid of saying the wrong thing, reaching out with kindness and understanding can be the lifeline someone needs in a difficult moment.


Silhouetted woman sitting on a rug, hugging her knees by a window in a dimly lit room. Curtains and soft light create a contemplative mood.


5 Ways to Help Someone Who’s Suicidal


  1. Ask Directly and Listen Without Judgment: Asking, “Are you thinking about suicide?” doesn’t put the idea in someone’s head. Instead, it can open the door to an honest conversation. Listen to understand, not to fix.

  2. Stay Calm and Present: Your presence matters. Sit with them, even in silence, to show you care.

  3. Encourage Professional Help: Offer to help them connect with a therapist, crisis counselor, or their doctor.

  4. Remove Immediate Means: If you can, help limit access to items that could be used for self-harm.

  5. Stay in Touch: Send a text or make a quick call in the days after. It’s a personal reminder they’re not alone.


Suicide Prevention Support


  • If someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or encourage them to go to the nearest emergency room.

  • Call or Text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)

  • Community Elements Crisis Line – 1-217-359-4141 (local crisis support)

  • Bodhi Counseling – Individual therapy, couples therapy, and support for those affected by suicide. We offer a safe, compassionate space to process emotions and explore healing options. Contact us today.



You Can Be a Lifeline


You don’t need to be a therapist or have all the answers to help someone you care about. Showing up, listening, and connecting them to support can save a life. 


If you or someone you know is struggling, contact us today to see how our trauma-informed, caring therapists can help.



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