Steps Communities Can Take to Connect, Care, and Prevent Suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time to shine light on a topic that’s too often cloaked in silence. It’s vital to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and intention such as substance use, frequent thoughts or discussions about death, hopelessness, loss of interest, impulsive behavior, changes in sleep or appetite, emotional swings, withdrawal, or changes in communication (SAMHSA, 2025). 

A practical and widely used framework to remember these signals is IS PATH WARM?, as outlined in SAMHSA’s Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment (2009). Each letter stands for a warning sign: 

I – Ideation (talking or thinking about suicide, making plans) 

S – Substance Use (increased alcohol or drug use) 

P – Purposelessness (feeling life lacks meaning) 

A – Anxiety (severe anxiety, agitation, insomnia) 

T – Trapped (feeling stuck with no way out) 

H – Hopelessness (believing things won’t improve) 

W – Withdrawal (pulling away from people or activities) 

A – Anger (uncontrolled irritability or rage) 

R – Recklessness (engaging in risky, self-destructive behavior) 

M – Mood Changes (dramatic emotional shifts) 

Steps Families and Communities Can Take 

Caregivers, peers, and loved ones can all strengthen protective factors and reduce risk (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024): 

1. Recognize Warning Signs early to open the door for help. 
2. Offer Praise and Encouragement to build resilience and self-worth. 
3. Listen Without Judgment—silence and empathy speak volumes. 
4. Avoid Taking It Personally—suicidal thoughts reflect pain, not blame. 
5. Encourage Self-Care for body and mind. 
6. Revisit Positive Memories to reawaken hope. 
7. Encourage Expression through writing, art, or music. 
8. Highlight Past Successes to remind them of their strength. 
9. Surround Them with Positivity and steady support. 
10. Utilize the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting their confidential chat. 
11. Take a Mental Health First Aid Course to learn how to help in times of crisis. 

Myths vs. Facts: Breaking Down Stigma 

Myth: “Talking about suicide will encourage it.” 
Fact: Discussing suicide openly can actually reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. Honest, compassionate conversations create connection and support, rather than risk (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2020). 

Myth: “Suicide only affects people with mental illness.” 
Fact: While mental health conditions can be a risk factor, not everyone who dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental illness. Life stressors—like relationship problems, loss, trauma, or illness—can also trigger suicidal thoughts (NAMI, 2020). 

Myth: “Once someone is suicidal, they will always remain suicidal.” 
Fact: Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and situation-specific. With timely support and treatment, individuals can and do recover, and go on to lead meaningful lives (NAMI, 2020). 

Myth: “Most suicides happen without warning.” 
Fact: Warning signs frequently appear before suicide—whether verbal or behavioral. Recognizing these signs can open pathways for timely help (NAMI, 2020). 

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit 

SAMHSA’s 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit offers ready-to-share messages, graphics, and outreach materials. Customize them for schools, workplaces, faith communities, or neighborhoods to spread hope and awareness effectively. 

The Take-Away 

One of the most damaging myths is that asking someone about suicide puts the idea in their head or encourages it. The truth is the opposite—talking about suicide does not create risk; it creates connection. Silence allows stigma to take hold, while caring conversations open pathways to hope, healing, and human understanding. By watching for warning signs, responding with empathy, and using tools like IS PATH WARM? and the 2025 Toolkit, families and communities can actively work toward Connecting, Caring, and Preventing Suicide. Because when we talk, truly listen, and hold space for people in pain, every conversation can save a life.