Break the Silence, Save a Life: Act This Suicide Prevention Month

Niccalia Cornett
Sep 5
4 min read

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a powerful and necessary reminder that suicide is a leading cause of death, but also a preventable one.

Suicide is not an easy topic to talk about. It can be uncomfortable, painful, and very personal. But that does not mean we should avoid the conversation In fact, avoiding it only deepens the stigma that surrounds mental health struggles. Stigma makes people afraid to ask for help. It makes them feel weak, judged, or unworthy. When we don’t talk about suicide, we risk isolating those who are suffering in silence.

By choosing to speak up — to share stories, to ask questions, to check in on friends and family — we help break down the barrier of that stigma. We let people know that there is no shame in struggling and that help is available and effective. Most importantly, we send a message that it's okay to not be okay, and that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

You do not need to be a therapist or a crisis counselor to help prevent suicide. Sometimes, it starts with a simple act of kindness, reaching out to a friend you have not heard from in a while or just simply listening without judgment and most importantly getting them help. It can also be helpful to know the warning signs — like withdrawal, sudden mood changes, or talking about feeling hopeless. Let this month be a moment of awareness, lets us help the world become a place, where fewer lives are lost to suicide. You matter. Your story matters. And your voice could help save a life.

Here below are voices sharing their story:

"I was in a state where my mind did not see anything positive. I kept thinking that nothing would get any better. Sleeping was my go-to. It helped me not think about the bad things that were going on. I was feeling like this for a couple of months until I realized it's okay to not be okay. It is okay to go to activities when you are sad. But it is not okay to hurt yourself. You are only causing more pain. Having this kind of mentality can help you get through that long week that you have been dreading to get through because it feels like you are not going to get through it. That was me. But at the end of that day, week, month, year. I am here. Without the friends, activities, and the mindset, I would still be in that stressful state. So talk to someone whom you really trust, and if you do not want to, find something that makes you happy, like baking, sports, movies or TV shows, drawing, running, or reading a book."

-Anonymous girl, 17

"In the past, I was in a relationship with a girl who struggled pretty badly with bad thoughts. She was a very sweet person and had a lot of potential. She was smart, funny, kind, talented, and she was all around a great person. But she never did understand just how hard she made things on herself and her loved ones because of her bad thoughts. I always tried to help her understand that things didn't have to be that way, but she never really got that. To the point where we ended up calling it quits because I just couldn't help her anymore and it was taking too much of a toll on the both of us. I wish I could help everyone that struggles with similar thoughts understand that things really didn't have to be that way and that there is hope and help for them."-Anonymous boy, 17

"I think what drives people to to the point of feeling like life isn’t worth living, even when they seem “fine” on the outside, is different for everyone but one common theme I have seen is when people feel alone and like no one cares for them. They often have low support system which is why we all need to be kind to everyone around us. You never know what is going on with someone inside."-Jessie Alder, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

"Junior year was really rough for me after a breakup. Not necessarily because of the breakup but because I lost my support system because of this relationship. So for a while, it felt like my world was over. I lost weight, and I couldn’t breathe without the heavy feeling in my chest. I felt hopeless. I told myself little lies like, “No one loves you,” “You’re not important,” and “Your presence doesn’t impact anyone.” They were lies, big, heavy, ones. But they felt real at the time. Through therapy and the support of good friends, I began to understand. The love I was holding onto wasn’t the love I deserved or needed. I was so sad over something that wasn't healthy. But I’ve learned that being alone doesn’t mean being unloved. I learned that peace can come from being in my own presence. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s never okay to struggle in silence. Most importantly, I’ve learned that healing is possible. You matter more than you realize. Someone out there has learned how to love by watching you. If you’re struggling, please, reach out. You matter."-Anonymous, Senior

If you or someone you know is struggling, know that there is help and there is hope. You're not alone. Getting professional help is really brave and does not mean you are weak. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available and

"A Friend Asks" a app that walks you through what to do when you suspect this is happening or if someone tells you they are struggling. Additionally, you can reach out to a guidance counselor, school psychologist, teacher, SRO, coach, or others if you lack support at home or from friends. Don't hesitate to connect with someone.