Suicide Prevention Awareness
Athea Long, LCSW
Having Courageous Conversations About Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a complex, often taboo topic—but avoiding it only deepens the silence that allows stigma and suffering to thrive. One of the most powerful tools we have in suicide prevention is conversation. Honest, compassionate dialogue can open the door to understanding, healing, and hope.
Presence, Empathy, and Openness
Courageous conversations start with the willingness to show up, even when the topic feels uncomfortable. You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is your presence, empathy, and openness. Ask the person how they’re really feeling. Use direct, nonjudgmental language: “Are you thinking about suicide?” This may feel daunting, but research shows that asking does not plant the idea—it can actually relieve someone who feels trapped and unseen.
Listening to Understand
Listening without trying to fix things immediately is also key. People in pain often need to feel heard and validated more than they need solutions. Let them know they’re not alone and help them connect to professional support if needed.
Mental Health Check-ins
These conversations are not just for those in crisis. Normalizing mental health check-ins among friends, family, and co-workers can create a culture where people feel safer speaking up before things escalate.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. If you’re worried about someone, reach out. If you’re struggling, speak up. Help is available, and hope is real.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Get in Touch with Intent Clinical Today
Let’s choose courage over silence. A single conversation can be the turning point in someone’s life. Speak with an expert at Intent Clinical to see how we can help.
