September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.
This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about how taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives. To make change happen, we will need to take action to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support. Each week we will highlight different ways to Create Hope Through Action.
Week 2 – Reach Out: Help Is Within Reach.
It is important to find the help that is right for you when your mental health feels off. Hope and healing can come from many places and in many forms to get the support that you need. Talking about the resources available across Minnesota and in your community can help remove stigma and normalize talking about mental health and focusing on hope and healing.
People you know can be good resources to find support in your community. Talk to your friends and family, your primary care provider, or someone else that you can trust about what’s going on and what you are looking for. Sometimes it is nice to know that you are not alone in your struggle. Having peer support can be a great way to connect with others that may have similar experiences as you. This could be calling one of Minnesota’s warm lines or by attending a support group.
- Minnesota Warmline – Mental Health Minnesota
- Peer-to-Peer Warmlines – NAMI Minnesota
- Peer Support Connection MN Warmline (PSC) – Wellness in the Woods
If you are unsure about what to do and need to talk to someone, try a local or national phone line to get assistance. They have trained counselors available to speak with you or your loved one and assist. Professional help can also make a big difference, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, as there are many different types of mental health professionals. Ask for referrals from your friends, family, primary care physician, or other people you trust. You can contact United Way 211, 988 Lifeline, or your local mental health center to understand what resources are available in your community. Another starting point is to call the number on the back of your insurance card. They can help you identify what providers are a part of your plan.
- Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in need of emotional and mental health guidance. If you or someone you know needs support now, reach out to the 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or use the 988 online chat feature.
- Support groups can help us see that there are others with similar situations and experiences to our own. These groups can help members feel connected and provide peer support from those who understand. To find a list of support groups, visit NAMI MN or Mental Health America.
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7-13, 2025) is an annual week long campaign in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) is an awareness day observed in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Encourage understanding and support, and silence the stigma around suicide and mental health.
As we come together to raise awareness, let us remember the lives lost to suicide, and celebrate the warriors and survivors who continue their healing and recovery. Unseen battles are the hardest fought battles. You are never alone in your journey. You can talk to me, even if we don’t know each other. I’ve been on this roller coaster of healing, relapse and recovery for almost 6 years. I didn’t start sharing my story openly until 4 years ago. As scary and uncomfortable as it is, sharing is caring, and caring is healing! So with that, STAY; Your story is not over and your life matters!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally!
