September is Suicide Prevention Month: A Call to Awareness, Compassion, and Action

September 6, 2025
STYLIANI SPYRIDI

By Styliani Spyridi, Consultant Psychiatrist

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month offers us a critical opportunity to raise awareness about a public health crisis that affects millions—but is often shrouded in silence. As mental health professionals, families, friends, and community members, we all play a role in recognizing the warning signs, reducing stigma, and supporting those at risk.

The Scope of the Issue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States in 2022, claiming the lives of over 49,000 people—a number that has steadily increased in recent years [1]. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, with many more making attempts [2].

While suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds, certain groups—such as adolescents, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with untreated mental illness—are at higher risk.

Understanding Suicide: Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Suicide is rarely the result of a single event. It’s often the culmination of multiple factors, including biological, psychological, environmental, and social stressors. Common risk factors include:

Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Substance use disorders
History of trauma or abuse
Social isolation or lack of support
Access to lethal means (e.g., firearms)
Chronic pain or terminal illness
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide

Warning signs may include:

Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Withdrawing from loved ones or activities
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
Expressing a lack of purpose or reason to live
Sudden mood improvement after a period of depression (which may indicate resolution to attempt suicide)

Importantly, suicidal ideation is a medical emergency and should always be taken seriously.

What the Evidence Says About Prevention

Suicide is preventable. Evidence-based strategies include:

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have shown significant reductions in suicidal ideation and behaviors [3].
Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can reduce symptoms of mental illness when appropriately prescribed and monitored. Newer interventions, like ketamine/esketamine, have shown rapid reduction in suicidal thoughts in some patients [4].
Means Restriction: Reducing access to lethal means (e.g., safe storage of firearms and medications) significantly lowers suicide rates.
Crisis Support: Access to 24/7 crisis lines, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S., offers immediate help and has saved countless lives.
Follow-Up Care: Individuals discharged from psychiatric hospitalization are at heightened risk. Ensuring they receive timely follow-up care reduces this risk [5].

How You Can Help

Whether you’re a loved one, colleague, or healthcare professional, you can make a difference:

Ask directly: Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re thinking about suicide. Research shows that asking does not increase the risk—it can open the door to help.
Listen without judgment: Empathic listening may be the lifeline someone needs.
Connect them to help: Encourage and assist with connecting to mental health services.
Follow up: A simple check-in text or call can remind someone they’re not alone.

Breaking the Stigma

Mental illness and suicide are still highly stigmatized. Language matters—say “died by suicide,” not “committed suicide.” Normalize seeking help.

Final Thoughts

Suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of psychiatrists or crisis counselors—it’s a collective, societal obligation. By educating ourselves, speaking openly, and reaching out, we can save lives.

This September, let’s commit not only to raising awareness, but to taking real, evidence-based action. One conversation, one act of support, one referral—can make all the difference.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Suicide facts. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
World Health Organization. (2023). Suicide. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
Glenn, C. R., & Nock, M. K. (2014). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
Wilkinson, S. T., et al. (2018). The effect of a single dose of intravenous ketamine on suicidal ideation. American Journal of Psychiatry.
WHO. (2019). Preventing suicide: A resource for postvention. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MSD-MER-19.3