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Each year on September 10, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day to draw global attention to this vital public health issue and to remind everyone that suicides are preventable.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission is to make that true for everyone.  Its best advice?  Talk. Never be afraid to talk about suicide.  Ask questions.  Have a conversation.   

If you’ve noticed the warning risk signs in a friend, co-worker, or loved one, step up and begin that discussion. It’s scary but you have to assume that you will be the only one who will bring it up. If you don’t, who else will? That one conversation could save a life.

When should I speak up?  Know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. 

Plan your conversation for a private setting. Let them know you’re concerned and that you care, and then ask directly about suicide, calmly and without judgment. Ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Show understanding.  Listen to their story and take their concerns seriously.     

Believe they mean what they say, and don’t try to argue. This isn’t the time to debate the value of life, to try to minimize their problems, or to give advice. A person who says they are thinking about suicide is experiencing a life-threatening health crisis, and they may not see any way of being helped. They don’t believe there are any other options. 

Take the person seriously if they have a plan and the means to complete it, keep them away from lethal instruments like firearms and drugs, and stay with them until you get help.   You can call or text 988 for the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak directly with a trained mental health professional.  You can also text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line.  Both numbers are free and available 24 hours a day. 

If you can do so safely, escort them yourself to a local mental health service or to your nearest emergency room.

Suicide happens without warning! Learn the truth behind the 8 most common myths about suicide.  

You can struggle with your mental health without becoming suicidal. Your friend or loved one may not be in a crisis situation but still need support and treatment. Mental health is something that can be managed, just like physical health.  When you have the flu, you see a doctor.  When you injure your knee, you call an orthopedist.  When you are having mental health issues, you can seek help.  The National Institute of Health has valuable information and resources available online. 

You can also contact your nearest chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness online or by calling their Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).  Volunteers will help guide you Monday Through Friday, 10 A.M. – 10 P.M. ET.  

Remember and share that help is always available. Recovery is possible.  You are not alone.

It only takes a few minutes and a few words to save a life.  Suicide is preventable.

If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. You can learn more about suicide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org.

One in five of us will experience a mental health issue over the course of our life, and, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), one in five of us will be affected by suicide.   

Whether it’s a parent, a sibling, or a close friend who is struggling, the whole family is also impacted, and children especially will have questions and concerns about the situation.    

It’s important to remember that while the presence of a mental health condition may contribute to increased suicide risk, the majority of people who live with mental health conditions will not die by suicide.  Yet mental health and suicide prevention experts both recommend the same policy – talk about it.  Open discussion and conversation about mental health and suicide not only reduces the stigma for the individual but also helps educate their support circle and promote healing for all.  

Are you ready for a conversation?  Could you talk about suicide with your young child?  Do you know what to ask of your teen if you worry about their mental health? 

Marriage and family therapist Dr. Keith Klostermann has advice for parents and guardians of younger children. He told us, “The decision to discuss suicide – and mental health –  with a child is complex and should always be approached with sensitivity. It often depends on the child’s maturity, understanding, and exposure to the topic.”   

He offers some general guidelines for talking to children following a death or an attempt by a family member, classmate, or even a public figure.  “Address the situation honestly and age-appropriately.”  You know your child’s maturity level, tailor the conversation to his or her understanding and avoid overwhelming them with too many details. 

“Children will often bring up questions about death or sadness. This can be a natural starting point for the conversation.” Let the child guide the conversation and allow them to express their feelings without judgment.

Dr. Klostermann acknowledges that discussions about mental health and suicide are not natural dinner table talk.  Preparation comes from consistently being “in the moment” with family and loved ones.   A pattern of listening to what they say, asking questions and being actively involved and responsive makes it easier to detect when something is “off,” and builds trust that you care and are invested in the long run.  “Being the person that your partner or kids can come to and feel safe.” 

This is especially true when talking to older children and teens.  “It’s hard for parents,” admits Dr. Klostermann.  “You can know the right things to say and say the right things, but your kid will ‘hear’ something different.”  He likens it to “coming alongside” your teen for a conversation instead of face-to-face.  “Face-to-face conversations can end up feeling confrontational, like you’re telling them what to do, as opposed to being on the journey with them.”  

If you do a bad job, if the conversation veers off course and your intentions are lost, Dr. Klostermann reminds us that kids learn more from how we behave than what we tell them.  So be honest.  Admit that you didn’t do a good job of expressing your concerns and try again, holding back emotions and judgment.  

Building trust takes time, but you can do it.   

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  Therapists or counselors can offer guidance and coping strategies for the child and the family as a whole.  Note that when a child or other family member expresses feelings of hopelessness or talks about wanting to die, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.  Call or text 988 to speak with a mental health professional 24/7.  You can also call or text 741741 for professional assistance.   

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers first-hand lived experiences from loss survivors, hear how one man coped with losing his father as a child.