Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 6-12 is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. Here are some common risk factors NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has found on suicide:

  • ​​Prior suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • History of mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders
  • Substance misuse
  • Impulsivity or aggressiveness
  • Serious family problems
  • Breakups or other major relationship losses
  • Access to means for self-harm (unsecured firearms, prescription medications, poisons)
  • Social isolation
  • History of traumatic experiences such as sexual violence or severe episodes of racial prejudice/violence, bullying
  • Lack of access to mental health care
  • Multiple exposures to suicide in one’s community or through unsafe coverage of suicide in the media

If you notice a friend, family member, or peer experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts, it is important to get help and support early. The first step is to contact a licensed mental health clinician or schedule an appointment with an existing clinician. If an immediate matter arises, go to your nearest hospital,  or call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Use this entire month to show support and advocate for suicide prevention

Nest is empty

Hoping everyone has a smooth move into a new school year. I’ve had my daughter recently graduate and now my son is off to college for the first time. If you have a student or someone close to you who is away at college the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a guide. Starting college – or even starting a new semester – brings big changes to your schedules, your routines, and your day-to-day needs. It can also have a big impact on your mental health. It’s important to possess tools to support your mental health as you embark on your college journey. The Mental Health College Guide is free and available online. It has sections about taking care of your mental health, navigating relationships and self-care, staying safe on campus, and more.

Other Resources:
NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide peer-support service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information and resources needed to tackle your tough challenges. Text “Friend” to 62640 or call 1-800-950-6264. 
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or you can chat online at chat.988lifeline.org.

Summertime Healthy Tech Habits

The middle of a hot summer is the perfect time to address ours and our children’s screen habits. It’s easy when the weather outside creeps toward triple digits, kids get bored, parents get tired and activities or vacations slow to increasingly rely on screens. Writing for Behavioral Health News, Temitope Fabayo discusses digital well-being, the dangers of excessive technology use and strategies for improving ours and our family’s digital well-being.

Average Screen Time Stats 2025

The average American spends 7 hours and 3 minutes looking at a screen each day.

Globally, people average 6 hours and 40 minutes of screen time per day.

Daily screen time has increased by over 30 minutes per day since 2013.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1949 during the month of May we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month. The goal is to raise public awareness about mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and encourage people to get help when needed. This year the theme is “In Every Story, There’s Strength led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. Mental Health Awareness Month was founded by Mental Health America. It’s the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and condition prevention. Their impact has led to 21 million people screened for mental health conditions, 31 million people reached through public education programs, and $1.3 million raised for mental health programs. They have a planning guide and tips if you are looking for ways to get involved, learn, donate or share on social media.

“Blue Monday”

The third Monday in January has been nominated as the saddest day of the year. The holidays are over, the Christmas bills are due, it’s freezing cold with a lack of sunlight and outdoor activity for many people. All kidding aside, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression are serious mental health threats this time of year. It’s important to be intentional about your own self-care and the mental health needs of your kids during the winter months. Make a habit to get outside, engage in regular physical exercise, plan fun activities and engage in frequent social activities with friends and family. Never hesitate to seek professional help. No problem is too big or small to speak to a therapist or psychologist. Even if not in crisis one can learn important cognitive and behavioral coping skills to improve day to day functioning or be the best version of one’s self.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Obviously, this a cause that is near and dear to me because of my involvement in the national Out of the Darkness Overnight Walks. The month of September provides the opportunity to raise additional awareness about this crisis and share important information and resources to individuals, friends and families. Suicidal thoughts and mental health problems although increasingly common should be considered one of our highest priorities. The more awareness, access and resources we provide to our community will undoubtedly lead to saved lives. #SuicidePreventionMonth

National Alliance on Mental Illness / NAMI

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention / AFSP