It’s Okay to Not be Okay: How We All Have a Role to Play this Suicide Prevention Month
*Disclaimer: This blog post will cover the heavy topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is out there. Call, text, or chat 988.
Did you know that, in the U.S., Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24? This month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. A time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful conversations and action on suicide prevention. In this article, we aim to educate, empower, and remind readers they are not alone and help is available. Prevention is possible and we all play a role in that.
The Power of Storytelling
Suicide prevention is a topic that is often discussed in hushed tones, but September reminds us that a whisper is not enough. To truly make a difference, we need to speak with compassion, courage, and, most importantly, through our stories. Your story, a friend’s story, a family’s story—they are all a part of a larger, collective narrative. It is this shared humanity that breaks down the walls of stigma and shame.
When we share our experiences, we do more than just talk about pain. We illuminate the journey from darkness to hope. We show others that recovery is possible, that reaching out for help is a sign of immense strength, and that they are not alone. For every individual who has struggled with suicidal thoughts, there are countless others—survivors, friends, and family members—who have been impacted. By opening up, we connect with each other and create a community built on empathy and understanding.
This month, we encourage everyone to embrace the power of their own story, whatever it may be. Whether it’s a tale of resilience, a moment of profound compassion, or a simple act of reaching out, your voice has the power to save lives and inspire change. It is through these stories that we can transform a difficult topic into one of hope, courage, and a shared commitment to building a safer, more connected world.
Prevention is Possible
Suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of mental health professionals—it’s a collective effort that belongs to every single one of us. It is the responsibility of friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to look out for one another. You don’t need a special degree or extensive training to make a difference. The most powerful tools you have are empathy, a listening ear, and a willingness to connect.
It can be as simple as checking in on someone you haven’t heard from in a while, asking “How are you really doing?” with genuine care, or noticing small changes in a loved one’s behavior. These small acts can be life-saving. By fostering a culture of openness and compassion in our communities, we create a safe space for people to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment.
Remember, suicide prevention is a continuous conversation, not just a once-a-year event. By being present, showing you care, and knowing the resources available, you are an essential part of prevention.
988 Day
The second annual 988 Day, on 9/8, is an opportunity to uplift the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the continued need for mental health support.
The 2025 theme is “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” This theme conveys the heart of what 988 is all about – empathy, accessibility, and reliability. The more than 15,000 counselors working across the 988 network continue to help reduce barriers and stigma around seeking support for mental health challenges, alcohol and drug use problems, emotional distress, or loneliness.
988 Day highlights how communities, organizations, and people supporting mental health are creating positive buzz around 988 in their own fun and creative ways to raise awareness across the United States. If you need inspiration for what you can do on 988 Day, check out some of the activations others are already planning on the 988 Day Get Involved page.
Tips on how to get involved:
- On Monday 9/8, use the hashtag #988Day on social media to share your activities and promote this year’s 988 Day theme, “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.”
- Spread awareness by opening conversations on the 988 resource.
More on 988: The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7 access to culturally-competent counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. Visit the 988 website for more information about what you can expect when reaching out to 988 via phone, text, or chat.
Connect with Cobb Collaborative this month
We, as well as partners, have many opportunities (trainings and events) this month to engage and learn more about Suicide Prevention. Here are some upcoming events:
September 4th: You are Loved Event with Cobb Parks
- Hear from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and more for an impactful night with community members
September 6th: Chat & Chew: Men’s Mental Health Workshop
September 9th: Coffee with the Collaborative
September 10th: QPR-Question.Persuade.Refer Suicide Gatekeeper Training
September 13th: Fighting the Darkness: Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention
September 18th: QPR-Question.Persuade.Refer Suicide Gatekeeper Training
September 23rd: Kindness Rock Painting
September 24th: GSU CWTC Delivering Trauma-Informed Customer Service
Carry it Forward
We encourage all readers to take care of their mental health, today and everyday. September is a month to act, but it is a daily prioritization of our mental health that can prevent. Remember, 988 is available and help is out there. Listen to our most recent MYM Speaks Podcast episode to learn more on this month’s observation. You are loved and not alone. Let’s use this month to turn conversations into connections and stigma into support.
