Each September is national Suicide Prevention Month. In 2023, 12.8 people seriously thought about suicide and 1.5 million people attempted it. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023. That is one death every 11 seconds. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While they may be common, they should never be seen as normal. More often than not, they signal deep emotional pain or an underlying mental health concern that deserves understanding, care and professional support.
Yet, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. NAMI believes that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. Their goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide, recognize warning signs, and seek help without fear or shame.
The theme for this year’s Suicide Prevention Month is: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference. With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because NAMI knows that no one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat 988 immediately or go online to www.988Lifeline.org For more information, go online here or visit University of Illinois Extension's website here
Source: NAMI Suicide Prevention Month September 2025 Toolkit