Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness of suicide prevention strategies, discuss meaningful action individuals can take, and share resources to help those in need. Talking openly about suicide prevention is crucial for supporting mental health needs and preventing further losses.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among individuals across age groups, from childhood through adulthood. Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss because it often brings up fear, stigma, or shame. However, suicidal thoughts, or thinking of ending one's life, are prevalent across the population. For example last year over 10% of adults aged 18 to 25 and 6% of adults age 26 to 49 had thoughts of suicide (SAMHSA, 2026). Among teenagers age 12 to 17, over 10% had serious thoughts of suicide last year (SAMHSA, 2026). Although many of these individuals recover and do not attempt to end their life, many individuals continue to die by suicide every year.
At Richmond Family Psychology, we are passionate about supporting the mental health needs of those in our community and committed to suicide prevention. We have compiled the following resources to help share suicide prevention resources in our community. Contact our psychologists with questions or if you or your child/teen are interested in beginning treatment.
Please note: Richmond Family Psychology does not provide crisis or emergency services.
Risk Factors for Suicide
Past suicide attempts or behavior
A family history of suicide
Substance use: substance use can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts
Access to firearms
Chronic illness or serious physical health conditions
Gender: Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide
A history of trauma or abuse
Prolonged stress
A recent tragedy or loss, including someone close dying by suicide
Warning Signs for Suicide
Talking about or making a plan for suicide.
Statements about being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in extreme emotional pain, feeling lonely or isolated, or feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Changes in behavior, such as behaving recklessly, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, or withdrawing from others.
Changes in sleep, such as sleeping too little or too much.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.
Giving away personal possessions.
Talking as if they’re saying goodbye or going away forever.
Taking steps to tie up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts. Making or changing a will.
Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.
Warning Signs in Youth
Expressing hopelessness about the future or having no reason to live.
Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress.
Increased physical symptoms—such as fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches—commonly associated with emotional distress.
Changing or withdrawing from social connections or situations.
Changes in sleep, such as sleeping too little or too much.
Changes in mood, such as anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context or increased agitation or irritability.
Stockpiling pills or obtaining sharp objects, such as razors.
How to Help Someone You Know
If you suspect that someone you know is thinking about ending their life, take the following actions to support them and keep them safe.
Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide, even for children or teens.
It is important to be direct when you ask. Use clear and direct words or phrases, such as "ending your life" or "killing yourself" even though this may be uncomfortable. Being direct opens the door for the other person to open and direct with their thoughts and feelings. Avoid dancing around the topic.
Many people experience suicidal thoughts without having a plan or intention on acting on these thoughts. It is important to understand whether the person is experiencing suicidal thoughts without a plan or intention of acting on these thoughts (i.e., "passive suicidal thoughts") or suicidal thoughts with a plan and or intention of acting on these thoughts (i.e., "active suicidal thoughts"). A person with active suicidal thoughts is experiencing a mental health emergency which requires professional help. Passive suicidal thoughts on the other hand may not require immediate help but should still be taken seriously.
Listen without judging and show you care. People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts are often experiencing a lot of emotional pain and distress. They may feel that others do not understand them or that they are a burden to others. To listen without judgment and show that you care, validate any emotions they express and share your support and concern for their well-being.
Don't try to change their emotions or minimize their feelings. We can recognize and empathize with the pain and distress they are experiencing.
Don't argue, threaten, or raise your voice.
Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong or the value of living. Instead consider the following strategies.
Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help. This is particularly important for people experiencing active suicidal thoughts while emergency services are en route.
Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. This includes medication (even over-the-counter medication), sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors, etc.), and ropes or belts. Don't let the person operate a motor vehicle.
Consider creating a Safety Plan, which is a proactive plan for what to do in the event of a mental health crisis. It includes warning signs for a mental health crisis, coping skills, people who can provide support, and emergency services to contact. See examples here and here (or use a digital safety plan tool).
Contact emergency services if the person is experiencing active suicidal thoughts.
Emergency Services for Suicide
Call 911 if danger for self-harm is imminent or the person has already harmed themself.
Note: this will often result in police involvement
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Visit your nearest emergency department if you can safely transport yourself or your loved one to the hospital. Emergency departments will have trained individuals on site who can assess suicidal thoughts and needs.
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 the Press 1
The Trevor Project: Crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth
Richmond-Area Services. See our list of Richmond-Area Crisis and Emergency Services here.
Additional Organization and Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (National Organization and Virginia Chapter)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Virginia Community Mental Health Support Resources
Digital Tools
Virtual Hope Box: An app designed for clients and their providers to assist with treatment. It helps clients with skills such as coping, relaxation, distraction, and positive thinking.
Lock to Live: A digital tool to help make decisions on how to reduce access to potentially dangerous items during a mental health emergency.
My Safety Plan: A tool to create a safety plan, including coping skills and sources of support, to support you during a mental health emergency.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. (2026). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP26- 07-010, NSDUH Series H-61). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-andhealth/national-release
