National Suicide Prevention Month: The Link Between Abuse and Mental Health

September is Suicide Prevention Month… a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and inspire meaningful action around one of the most urgent public health issues of our time. This year, we invite you to start a conversation and be the difference. Sometimes, one question — “How are you really doing?” — followed by true, open-hearted listening, can save a life. There’s a dangerous myth that talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen. The truth? Silence is far more harmful.

Take the first step toward connection, safety, and support by letting others know they’re not alone, help exists and there are safe spaces where they can feel seen and heard. If you're not sure what to say, that's okay. You don't need to have all the answers. What matters is showing up with empathy and openness. Whether it's checking in on a loved one, sharing resources, or advocating for better crisis care, you can be the difference.

Suicide is not just a personal tragedy — it's a national crisis, and it’s happening more often than many realize. Worldwide, over 720,000 people die by suicide every year — each loss rippling through families, schools, workplaces, and communities. These numbers are heartbreaking. But there is hope. Suicide is preventable. Healing is possible. And it often begins with one honest conversation.

• Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the United States
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences serious thoughts of suicide each year
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10–24
• While more women attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide, making up 79% of all suicide deaths in the U.S.

It’s important to ensure everyone — individuals, friends, families, educators, employers — has access to the tools and support they need to: recognize warning signs of suicide, talk openly and without judgment, and connect people to help. If you want to learn more… call, text, or chat 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7/365 — free and confidential.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This theme challenges us to: dispel harmful myths, reduce shame and stigma, and drive systemic change in how we approach mental health and crisis response. It calls on governments, communities, and individuals alike to prioritize mental well-being, create supportive environments, and ensure access to compassionate, evidence-based care. Suicide prevention is not just about awareness, it’s about action.

We urge you to start a conversation, check in, speak up and share hope. The simple act of asking someone how they’re doing can become the moment that saves their life. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe to ask for help — and everyone gets the help they need. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.