September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that help is available.
But suicide prevention isn’t only about what we do when someone is in crisis. It’s also about recognizing when someone is struggling, taking emotional pain seriously, and making it easier to ask for help before things become overwhelming.
Sometimes, reaching out starts with a simple conversation.
You Don’t Have to Be in Crisis to Ask for Help
Many people wait until they are struggling significantly before seeking support. They may tell themselves things like:
“Other people have it worse.”
“I should be able to handle this.”
“It will get better on its own.”
“I don’t want to burden anyone.”
But you don’t have to reach a breaking point to deserve support.
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, isolation, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, substance use, or feeling as though life has become unmanageable are all reasons to reach out. Mental health support can provide a safe place to talk through what you’re experiencing, understand what’s contributing to it, and develop healthier ways of coping.
At MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development, therapy is built around helping people identify challenges, develop tools and solutions, and work toward a better quality of life. The practice offers outpatient therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as medication management and telehealth appointments.
Know the Signs That Someone May Be Struggling
You don’t always have to hear someone say, “I’m thinking about suicide,” to recognize that they may need support.
Changes in behavior can sometimes be a signal that someone is struggling. These may include withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, significant changes in sleep or energy, expressing hopelessness or worthlessness, or having difficulty managing everyday responsibilities.
One sign by itself doesn’t necessarily mean someone is suicidal. But when you notice significant or persistent changes in someone you care about, it’s worth checking in.
And don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing.
A simple “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed different lately. How are you really doing?” can open the door to a conversation that might otherwise never happen.
Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously
If someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide, listen without judgment. You don’t need to have the perfect words or solve the problem yourself.
Stay with them, help them connect with professional support, and take immediate action if they are in danger.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone experiencing emotional distress can call or text 988 for confidential support.
If someone is in immediate danger or has an imminent medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Prevention Starts Before a Crisis
Suicide prevention isn’t just about responding to emergencies. It’s about creating a culture where talking about mental health is normal and asking for help isn’t seen as a weakness.
That might mean checking in on a friend who has been withdrawing. Making an appointment with a therapist when you’re struggling with depression or anxiety. Talking to your doctor about changes in your mental health. Or simply telling someone you trust, “I’m having a hard time right now.”
Taking that first step can be difficult—but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
At MidWest Center, our therapists work with people experiencing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief and trauma, addiction, and relationship difficulties. The goal isn’t simply to get through a difficult moment. It’s to help you develop the understanding, tools, and support you need to move forward.
This September, Check In
National Suicide Prevention Month is a reminder that small acts of connection matter.
Send the text. Make the phone call. Ask the question. Listen without judgment. And if you’re the one struggling, give yourself permission to ask for help.
You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable to reach out.
If you’re looking for mental health support in the Twin Cities, MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development offers outpatient therapy and telehealth services for individuals, couples, and families. Learn more about our services and how to get started at MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. If there is immediate danger, call 911.