Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and if there’s one thing worth saying out loud, it’s this: check on your people. Not only the friend who is obviously struggling. Not only the person who tells you they’re having a hard time. Check on the funny friend. The busy friend. The friend who keeps showing up to work, answering texts and seemingly carrying on like normal. Mental health struggles don’t always look the way we expect them to.

Sometimes support starts with something incredibly simple: “How are you doing, really?” And then actually making space for the answer.

If you’re the person struggling right now, please tell somebody. A friend, family member, doctor, crisis counsellor or someone else you trust. You don't need to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help. You are allowed to need support before you reach your breaking point. And if someone trusts you enough to tell you they're struggling, you don't need to have the perfect advice. Listen. Take them seriously. Stay connected. Help them reach professional support when they need more than you can provide.

This month is also a reminder to learn the warning signs, talk openly about mental health and help make conversations about suicide less frightening and less shameful. Talking about it responsibly doesn't create the problem. It gives people an opportunity to say, “Actually, I'm not okay.” If you are in immediate danger or think you may act on suicidal thoughts, contact emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department.

In Canada and the United States, you can also call or text 988 for crisis support.