Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Tragically, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. While such thoughts are common, they should never be considered normal and usually signal a more serious underlying issue.
Each year, thousands lose their lives to suicide, leaving behind grieving families and friends who are often left in silence due to stigma and shame. These suicide loss survivors frequently feel isolated and unable to talk openly about their experiences.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding suicide. By sharing resource stories and raising awareness, we can shed light on this profoundly taboo topic, connect individuals with suicidal ideation to vital services, and ensure that families and friends have access to the resources they need. NAMI is committed to supporting these efforts.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts? Call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Prefer texting? Text NAMI to 741-741 to reach a free, trained counselor through the Crisis Text Line.
Awareness Resources
Help spread awareness by sharing images and graphics on social media using hashtags like #SuicidePrevention or #StigmaFree.
While suicide prevention is a year-round effort, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a unified opportunity to spark meaningful conversations. These open dialogues about mental health can genuinely make a life-changing difference.
How to Engage Online with You Are Not Alone
NAMI.org Personal Stories
Throughout September, NAMI will feature personal stories highlighting the impact of suicidal ideation and prevention. These stories provide raw, informal snapshots of lived experiences, distinct from NAMI Blog entries, and aim to show individuals they are not alone in their mental health journeys. Visit nami.org/yourstory to share your story or explore others.
NAMI Blog
The NAMI Blog will focus on crisis prevention, preparation, and response this month. Weekly posts will address these topics and provide valuable insights. Explore these posts at nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog, and stay updated on social media for author quotes and features.
Social Media
Follow NAMI’s social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for facts, resources, and personal videos from the NAMI community. Share posts to amplify awareness.
Crisis-related posts are encouraged throughout September. Here are examples:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (@800273TALK) offers free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7. #SPM20 #NotAlone
The Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 mental health support. Text “NAMI” to 741741 for assistance. #SPM20 #NotAlone
Facing a mental health crisis? Download NAMI’s comprehensive guide in English or Spanish: nami.org/crisisguide #SPM20 #NotAlone
Special Days to Post:
Sept. 6-12: Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
Sept. 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
Hashtags: #SPM20, #NotAlone
Fast Facts
Individual Impact
78% of people who die by suicide are male.
Men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide than women, although women attempt it more often.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and the 4th leading cause for ages 35-54.
The overall U.S. suicide rate has increased by 35% since 1999.
46% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, though 90% experience symptoms.
Community Impact
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for:
American Indian/Alaska Natives (ages 10-34).
African Americans (ages 15-24).
Hispanic individuals (ages 15-34).
It is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans (ages 15-24).
American Indian/Alaska Native adults die by suicide at rates 20% higher than non-Hispanic white adults.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide compared to their straight peers.
Transgender individuals are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
11.8% of young adults have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month encourages us all to take action, foster understanding, and promote conversations about suicide and mental health. We can break the stigma and create a supportive, compassionate community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
