Suicide Prevention Month: How to Support Yourself and Others
Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters
Every September, Suicide Prevention Month invites us to pause, reflect, and act. It is a time of remembrance for lives lost, a chance to support those who struggle, and a call to reduce stigma by promoting hope and healing. In the United States, suicide is one of the leading causes of death, with nearly 50,000 lives lost annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). Behind these numbers are people; mothers, fathers, children, friends, and neighbors whose absence leaves ripples across entire communities.
At Agape Health & Wellness, we believe that no one should have to face despair alone. Suicide Prevention Month is about awareness and equipping individuals, families, and communities with the tools, compassion, and resources needed to support life. This article offers an in-depth exploration of how to care for yourself, how to support others, and how therapy can make the difference between hopelessness and hope.
Supporting Yourself Through Self-Care
When conversations about suicide prevention arise, many people immediately think of how to help others. While that is essential, prevention begins with caring for yourself. Building resilience, creating protective habits, and knowing where to turn during hard moments are crucial parts of suicide prevention.
Understanding Mental Health and Suicide Risk
Suicidal thoughts often emerge from overwhelming stress, trauma, untreated mental illness, or a combination of these. Yet research shows that most people who experience suicidal ideation do not go on to die by suicide if they have access to appropriate support and interventions (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2025). It is important to recognize that mental health exists on a spectrum. Even if you are not in immediate crisis, prioritizing your emotional well-being can reduce the risk of future struggles.
Practical Self-Care Strategies
Self-care is more than bubble baths and quiet time, it is about maintaining stability in the face of life’s stressors. Here are some areas you can practice some likely much needed self-care.
Sleep hygiene: Quality rest is strongly linked to lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation. Setting a consistent sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine can restore energy and perspective (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023).
Nutrition: Diets rich in whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and adequate hydration support brain health. Skipping meals or relying on processed foods can worsen mood instability.
Exercise: Movement is one of the most researched protective factors. Even 30 minutes of walking five times a week reduces depressive symptoms and boosts resilience (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Spiritual and community practices: For many, faith, prayer, or meditation are grounding practices that provide meaning and connection. Others may find strength in volunteering or peer support groups.
The Role of Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices including meditation, deep breathing, and body scans are shown to reduce rumination and emotional distress. By focusing attention on the present moment, mindfulness helps counteract spirals of hopeless thoughts often tied to suicidal ideation (Hölzel et al., 2011).
Technology and Self-Care
While digital tools such as meditation apps or journaling platforms can be helpful, we encourage caution with AI-powered chatbots. Some individuals report comfort in talking with these tools, but research warns of risks such as misinformation or unhelpful responses (Washington Post, 2025). Technology can supplement care, but it should never replace human connection.
Supporting Others
If someone in your life is struggling, your presence can make a life-saving difference. Suicide prevention isn’t about having all the answers. Instead, it is about being available, listening, and connecting people to help.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Warning signs vary, but some of the most common include:
Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden.
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities.
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Drastic mood swings, especially sudden calmness after depression.
The CDC emphasizes that awareness of warning signs allows family and friends to intervene earlier (CDC, 2024).
How to Start the Conversation
Many people worry that asking about suicide will “put the idea” into someone’s head. This is a myth. Research shows that directly asking if someone is thinking about suicide reduces risk and increases trust (Dazzi et al., 2014).
You might begin with: “I’ve noticed you seem down lately, and I’m concerned. Do you want to talk?”
The key is to approach with compassion, without judgment, and to listen more than you speak.
The Power of Listening
Active listening means giving full attention, reflecting back what you hear, and validating feelings. For example, instead of offering quick solutions, you might say, “That sounds really heavy. I can see why you’re struggling.” This communicates respect and empathy.
Cultural Sensitivity in Support
Suicide affects people across all backgrounds, but cultural beliefs influence how it is understood. For example, some communities may view discussing suicide as taboo, while others may frame it within spiritual or collective terms. Being sensitive to cultural values allows you to support more effectively (Chu et al., 2010).
Connecting to Professional Help
When someone shares suicidal thoughts, encourage them to reach out for professional support. Offer practical help like dialing 988 with them, researching therapists, or attending appointments together. If there is immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or local crisis teams.
Therapy Options and Our Approach at Agape Health & Wellness
Professional therapy remains one of the most effective ways to reduce suicide risk. At Agape, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns that fuel suicidal ideation. Studies show CBT significantly reduces attempts by teaching healthier coping mechanisms (Brown et al., 2005).
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT is highly effective for those who engage in self-harm or experience chronic suicidal thoughts. It teaches distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness (Linehan, 1993).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
For individuals whose suicidal ideation is rooted in trauma, EMDR helps process traumatic memories in a less distressing way, reducing triggers that fuel suicidal urges (Shapiro, 2018).
Medication Management
Sometimes therapy alone is not enough. Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety may require medication as part of treatment. At Agape, our team can provide medication management integrated with therapy, ensuring continuity and comprehensive care.
Group and Family Therapy
Suicide often impacts entire families. Group therapy fosters connection among peers facing similar struggles, while family therapy strengthens communication and support systems. Both modalities build resilience and reduce isolation.
Telehealth Services
We understand that stigma, transportation, or scheduling can create barriers to care. That is why we offer telehealth-based therapy and psychiatric services, allowing clients to access professional help from home. Telehealth expands reach while maintaining confidentiality and quality.
Helpful Resources
National Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for crisis counseling via text.
Minnesota Resources
NAMI Minnesota: Offers classes, support groups, and advocacy (https://namimn.org).
Anoka County Crisis Response: 763-755-3801 (24/7 mobile crisis services).
Minnesota Warmline: 651-288-0400, providing peer support for mental health challenges.
Together We Can Make a Difference
Suicide Prevention Month is a movement of compassion, awareness, and action. For those in crisis, know that your life matters and help is available. For caregivers and loved ones, your presence can save lives. For communities, supporting one another is how we break the silence around suicide.
At Agape Health & Wellness, we are committed to being part of this movement. Through therapy, psychiatric care, and advocacy, we walk with individuals and families toward healing. Together, with self-care, connection, and professional support, we can prevent suicide and build a future where hope is stronger than despair.
Call us today at (763) 231-1497, or submit a referral here https://www.agapementalhealth.com/contact
References
Brown, G. K., Ten Have, T., Henriques, G. R., Xie, S. X., Hollander, J. E., & Beck, A. T. (2005). Cognitive therapy for the prevention of suicide attempts: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 294(5), 563–570. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.294.5.563
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Preventing suicide. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention
Chu, J., Goldblum, P., Floyd, R., & Bongar, B. (2010). The cultural theory and model of suicide. Applied & Preventive Psychology, 14(1-4), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appsy.2010.11.002
Dazzi, T., Gribble, R., Wessely, S., & Fear, N. T. (2014). Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? Psychological Medicine, 44(16), 3361–3363. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291714001299
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Sleep and mental health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health
Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537–559. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691611419671
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Exercise and depression: Get moving to manage symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Stanley, B., & Brown, G. K. (2012). Safety planning intervention: A brief intervention to mitigate suicide risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2011.01.001
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit. https://www.samhsa.gov
Washington Post. (2025, September 6). If you use AI for therapy, here are 5 things experts recommend. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/09/06/ai-chatbots-therapy-tips
