CPC Mental Health Ministry Spotlight:
National Suicide Prevention Month
September 2025 is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources for mental health support, and encouraging open discussions to prevent suicide. This important month-long observance reminds us that suicide is preventable, and individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts are not alone. In the United States, suicide is one of the top causes of death and many still face challenges accessing the support they need.
Objectives of National Suicide Prevention Month:
Raising Awareness: To educate and inform communities about suicide prevention, the signs of risk, and available resources for mental health support.
Destigmatizing Mental Health: Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health and suicide to remove any stigma associated with seeking help for emotional or psychological issues.
Encouraging Outreach: Encouraging individuals, families, friends, professionals, and community members to reach out and offer support, care, and compassion to those in need.
Resources & Supports for Outreach Efforts:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential, and immediate support for individuals in distress 24/7. Providing both prevention and crisis intervention services, trained counselors staff the line ready to provide compassionate support and connect individuals to local resources.
Website: 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with free, 24/7 support via text. The Crisis Text Line is a resource for anyone who needs immediate support and provides a safe, anonymous way to text with a trained volunteer.
Website: crisistextline.org
Local Mental Health Hotlines: Many local regions have their own hotlines or services with immediate support for mental health needs. These are often more tailored to the needs of specific communities, and include resources specific to youth, marginalized individuals, veterans, and more.
Mental Health First Aid Courses: Mental Health First Aid courses provide the public with basic skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges. The course helps to break down stigma and promotes early intervention.
Support Groups & Online Communities: Online communities such as The Trevor Project or SupportGroups.com can provide online community forums to connect individuals to others going through similar experiences. Online support communities are good places to seek a sense of belonging and motivation.
Professional Therapy & Counseling: Reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor can also be lifesaving for individuals who need support. Therapy and counseling provide a space for an individual to explore their emotions and learn healthy coping skills.
Get Involved in your Community: National Suicide Prevention Month calls upon individuals, schools, workplaces, and organizations to get involved. Events and educational resources can be shared, campaigns and social media involvement increased, and volunteers can join walks or participate to help create a stigma-free and safe space for those who may be in need and need help.
In observing National Suicide Prevention Month this September, let us encourage each person to play a part in creating a space where people feel safe reaching out for help and finding hope. No one should ever feel alone in their battles, and by continuing to work together, we can save lives.
You are also encouraged to check out the array of mental health supports on the CPC Mental Health Ministry’s webpage.