Why I’m Talking About Suicide

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I want to spend this month talking about something that a lot of people still don’t know how to talk about.

Suicide.

Not just the statistics. Not just the warning signs. Not just sharing a crisis number and moving on.

I want to talk about the conversations we avoid. The things we miss. The people who look fine on the outside. The parents who don’t know what to say. The friends who don’t know whether they should ask. And the families who are left behind trying to make sense of something that may never completely make sense.

Because suicide doesn’t just affect the person who dies. It changes families. It changes friendships. It leaves people with questions they may carry for the rest of their lives.

And maybe if we become a little more comfortable talking about it, we’ll become a little more willing to notice when someone isn’t okay.

So this month, I’m going to talk about suicide. Honestly. The uncomfortable parts, the warning signs, the conversations, the prevention, and the grief that comes afterward.

Because sometimes talking about suicide isn’t putting the idea in someone’s head.

Sometimes it’s giving someone a reason to finally say, “I’m not okay.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #TalkAboutIt