Each September, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While they may be common, they should never be seen as normal. More often than not, they signal deep emotional pain or an underlying mental health concern that deserves understanding, care, and professional support.
Yet, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. At NAMI, we believe that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide, recognize warning signs, and seek help without fear or shame.
This September: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference.
With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here's what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
Help NAMI spread the word about the 988 crisis line and the confidential, judgment-free support available to anyone 24/7.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat 988, immediately (chat available at 988Lifeline.org 988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Call, text, or chat 988. Have questions about 988?
Visit NAMI’s FAQs to learn more about how 988 can offer judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat 988, immediately (chat available at 988Lifeline.org.
What to do when someone shares that they are struggling:
Learn what to do if someone tells you they're having thoughts of suicide by downloading these valuable resources.
Know the signs. Know the warnings:
Learn behaviors and common signs of a mental illness in adults and adolescents by downloading these resources.
For further information and resources, visit NAMI's website.
