By: Donna Demerjian, PhD, LCSW, LBBP

This September, Yellow Brick proudly joins our healthcare    community in honoring Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect, connect, and take meaningful action. The 2025 theme—“Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose”—serves as a powerful reminder that suicide prevention is not just a public health priority, but a deeply human responsibility. It’s about showing up for one another, listening with compassion, and building systems that support mental wellbeing for everyone.

Suicide in America: A Sobering Snapshot

Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. The latest data paints a stark picture. These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect families shattered, futures lost, and communities forever changed.

• In 2023, more than 49,000 lives were lost to suicide—nearly one every 11 minutes.
• An estimated 1.5 million people attempted suicide that same year.
• Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–34, and fourth for those aged 35–44.
• Men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths, though women are more likely to attempt suicide.
• Firearms are involved in over 55% of suicide fatalities.

Warning Signs & Behaviors

Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts feel isolated, misunderstood, or invisible. By learning to recognize the signs, we can offer support, compassion, and connection when it matters most. Here are some of the most common emotional, verbal, and behavioral indicators:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Saying things like “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Everyone would be better off without me”
• Mentioning plans or methods to die; making a will or researching ways to die\
• Saying goodbye unexpectedly or giving away possessions
• Expressing guilt, shame, or feeling like a burden
• Feeling trapped or having no reason to live
• Intense sadness, anxiety, or emotional pain; withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Sudden mood swing such as calm after deep sadness can be a red flag
• Risky behavior (e.g., reckless driving, substance abuse)
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Innovative Approaches to Suicide Prevention

Across the country, new programs and facilities are embracing innovative, community-driven strategies to reduce suicide risk—especially in underserved and high-need populations.

System-Level Interventions

Targeting high-impact settings is key to early detection and response:

• Healthcare systems are training providers to recognize and respond to suicide risk during routine visits.
• Emergency departments are implementing screening protocols and establishing follow-up care for patients in crisis.
• Corrections facilities are enhancing mental health services for incarcerated individuals.
• Firearm safety initiatives are promoting secure storage and lethal means counseling.

Crisis Centers

Psychiatric crisis centers are reshaping emergency mental health care by offering rapid, short-term stabilization in a safe, therapeutic environment. Key features include:

• A “no wrong door” approach—accepting walk-ins and first responder drop-offs
• Immediate access to clinicians and peer support
• Integration into broader behavioral health systems to reduce hospitalization and promote recovery

Mobile Crisis Response Teams

Operating 24/7/365, Mobile Crisis Response Teams deliver trauma-informed care directly to individuals in crisis, diverting them from law enforcement and ERs. These teams are especially vital in rural and underserved areas where traditional services are limited.

Campus-Based Prevention

Colleges and universities are expanding mental health support to help reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking among young adults. Program components include:

• After-hours counseling
• Peer-led outreach
• Early intervention for students facing depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts

Integrated Behavioral Health Policies

Research shows that 90% of individuals who die by suicide had contact with a healthcare provider in the year prior. States are embedding suicide prevention into healthcare systems with policies that:

• Require routine suicide risk screening in primary care
• Fund integrated behavioral health services
• Incentivize providers to adopt evidence-based interventions

Tech-Enabled Solutions

Facilities are leveraging technology to enhance prevention and intervention:

• AI-powered risk detection in electronic health records
• Telehealth counseling for remote communities
• Digital safety planning tools to help individuals build coping strategies and emergency contacts

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t need a degree or a title to help prevent suicide. You just need to care. Here’s how you can take action:

• Start a conversation. Ask someone how they’re really doing—and listen.
• Share resources. Promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local support services.
• Join events. Participate in walks, trainings, or community outreach.
• Educate yourself. Learn the warning signs and how to respond.
• Be present. Sometimes, your presence is the most powerful gift of all.

Final Thoughts

Suicide Prevention Month is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. It’s about building a world where no one feels alone in their pain, and where hope is always within reach. Together, we can foster a culture of compassion, resilience, and healing within our own communities.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support—anytime, day or night.