Every September, National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day bring people together to talk about a sensitive topic many would rather avoid.
For anyone in recovery from substance use, or supporting someone who is, these conversations can feel especially close to home and difficult, as addiction and suicidal thoughts often come hand in hand. We’re here to share why discussions about suicide are so important, and how you can commemorate National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day.
What is National Suicide Prevention Month?
National Suicide Prevention Month runs every September. It exists to remind people that suicide is preventable, not inevitable, and that reaching out for support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Throughout September, mental health organizations, schools, workplaces, and treatment centers run events to help reduce stigma and encourage earlier intervention to prevent suicides from occurring.
Examples of events include:
- Awareness campaigns.
- Educational training sessions.
- Local community events.
Much of this work sits alongside formal government policy. Many countries have adopted a national suicide prevention strategy, a coordinated framework that guides research, funding, and services. [1] But how well these strategies actually reduce suicide rates is still undetermined. A recent review found that suicide rates dropped in some countries after the government introduced a new strategy, while others saw no change, or even an increase. [2]
Researchers point to gaps in how different countries track suicide data, alongside wide variations in age, gender, and socioeconomic patterns. [3] These inconsistencies and concerns are exactly why raising awareness surrounding suicide matters. While having the right policies in place is incredibly important, everyday conversations, workplace training, and family support are often what really reach people before a crisis occurs.
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10
World Suicide Prevention Day is held every September 10th. Established by the International Association for Suicide Prevention alongside the World Health Organization, the day gives survivors, families, and advocacy groups a shared day to raise awareness and honor those lost to suicide. [4]
Much like across the month, some of the events organized include:
- Candlelight vigils.
- Public walks.
- Social media campaigns.
But the goal always stays the same: to start those challenging conversations that might not otherwise happen.
Why suicide prevention also matters for people affected by substance use
Suicide prevention and addiction recovery are closely linked. In a US case-control study of over 2,600 people who passed away from suicide, every category of substance use disorder was linked to a higher risk of suicide. The odds ranged from about double for a single disorder to more than eleven times higher for those experiencing alcohol, drug, and tobacco use disorders together. [5]
The overlap makes sense, because substance use can worsen depression, reduce inhibitions, and strain the relationships someone might otherwise lean on for support. This is partly why dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health together, rather than separately, tends to produce better results. [6]
How to support suicide prevention during September (and beyond)
Here’s how to put your support for suicide prevention into action this month and beyond.
Start honest conversations about mental health and suicide thoughts
Ask people how they’re really doing and encourage honest answers. It might feel direct, but asking people about suicidal thoughts doesn’t plant the idea; it might open the door for someone to share what they’ve been frightened of or avoiding saying out loud.
Share crisis resources where people will see them
Share the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number on a work bulletin board or on social media, or ask to put up posters in local spots in your neighborhood. At work, you can pop the number on a sticky note on the office fridge, or stick it up next to the fire extinguisher. Because a number that’s already visible is much easier to remember or track down if a crisis hits.
Get suicide prevention training
Programs like Mental Health First Aid or QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) teach practical life skills for recognizing the warning signs of suicide and responding calmly. Check whether your local community health departments, colleges, or workplaces offer programs like these if you’re not sure where to look.
Check in on someone in recovery
If someone in your life is battling a substance use disorder, reach out to ask how they’re doing emotionally, not just how many days left they have of treatment. Isolation and shame are both common risk factors for relapse and suicidal thinking, and a thoughtful check-in when someone needs it most can make a huge difference.
Protect your own mental health, too
Supporting someone else, or dealing with your own recovery, is tiring work. Therapy, support groups, and check-ins with your doctor and loved ones are there to help you keep showing up for others.
Suicide warning signs and how to respond
Suicide risk rarely appears out of nowhere. Most people who are considering suicide show one or more warning signs beforehand, and the more signs that are present, the greater the risk. [7]
Common signs of distress include: [7]
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
- Talking about being a burden or having no reason to live.
- Saying that they feel trapped, hopeless, or like there is no way out.
- Giving away possessions or getting affairs in order.
- Increased substance use.
- Extreme mood swings, or unusual agitation and anxiety.
- Behaving unusually recklessly compared to usual.
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods.
- Withdrawing from activities, especially those that were once preferred.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- A sudden sense of calm after a period of deep depression (this can sometimes signal that a decision has been made).
While these signs don’t mean someone is definitely suicidal, each is reason enough to check in. If there’s more than one sign present, you should act with increased urgency.
How loved ones can support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts
If someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the first thing you should do is listen without arguing, minimizing their feelings, or rushing to try and fix things. Ask them directly whether they’re thinking about suicide, since asking a clear, calm question is safer than tiptoeing around the subject.
Help them connect with a therapist, doctor, or treatment provider rather than leaving them to search for support on their own, which can feel overwhelming or scary. Family involvement is especially important for men, who are far less likely to seek help on their own, and make up the large majority of suicide deaths in high-income countries. [8]
What to do if someone is in a crisis
A mental health emergency may involve someone talking about wanting to die, describing a specific suicide plan, or having access to a way to hurt themselves, combined with extreme hopelessness or agitation. [9]
If you find yourself in a situation with someone like this, do not leave them alone. Call or text 988 for guidance, remove access to firearms, tools, or medications if it’s safe to do so, and call 911 if there’s immediate danger to their life.
Crisis and support resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, available 24/7 in English and Spanish, with interpretation in over 240 languages.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) for free, confidential treatment referrals related to substance use and mental health.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
These services are free and confidential, but they’re not a substitute for ongoing medical or psychiatric support. If you’re experiencing ongoing suicidal thoughts, you should also speak with a doctor or mental health professional about longer-term treatment.
Final thoughts
National Suicide Prevention Month gives people the space and permission to talk about a subject that too many are afraid to bring up. For those in recovery, or the families supporting them, that support and permission matter.
Remember, reaching out, whether that’s to a close friend, therapist, or crisis line, is often the first real step to getting better.
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