September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Creating Connection, Conversation & Hope

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to bring an important conversation into the light: the emotional and mental well-being of our children and teens. For parents, the topic of suicide can feel terrifying.

You may wonder:

“What if I say the wrong thing?” “What if asking about suicide makes it worse?” “How do I know if my child's behavior is normal or something I should worry about?”

The good news is that parents don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes, one of the most powerful things we can offer our children is simply this: “I'm here. I'm listening. And you don't have to go through this alone.”

Look Beyond the Behavior

Children and teenagers don't always have the words to explain emotional pain. A child who seems angry may actually be overwhelmed. A teenager who is withdrawing may be experiencing hopelessness. A child who suddenly stops enjoying things they once loved may be struggling in ways they don't know how to communicate.

Instead of just asking: “How do I stop this behavior?”

We can also ask: “What might this behavior be communicating?”

Behavior isn't always the whole story. Sometimes it's the part of the story our child knows how to show us.

🚩 Know the Warning Signs

Parents should pay attention to significant or sudden changes in their child's emotional or behavioral functioning.

Some warning signs can include:

• Talking about wanting to die or disappear

• Saying they are a burden

• Expressing hopelessness

• Pulling away from friends or family

• Losing interest in things they normally enjoy

• Significant changes in sleep or eating

• Giving away important belongings

• Saying goodbye in unusual ways

• Increased anger, agitation, or emotional outbursts

• Increased risk-taking

• Talking about feeling trapped

• Searching for information about suicide or death

• A noticeable change in mood or behavior

One warning sign does not automatically mean a child is suicidal. But significant changes deserve attention.

 Don't Be Afraid to Ask

One of the biggest myths surrounding suicide prevention is that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will cause suicidal thoughts. It doesn't. If you're concerned, you can ask directly: “I've noticed you've been having a really hard time lately. Have you been thinking about hurting yourself or dying?” Then stop. Listen. You don't have to immediately solve the problem.

You don't have to talk them out of their feelings. You can say: 

“Thank you for telling me.” 

“I'm really glad you told me.”

“We are going to get help together.”

Connection Is Prevention

Suicide prevention isn't only about what happens during a crisis. It begins long before a crisis. It happens when we:

• Eat dinner together

• Ask about the hard parts of their day

• Listen without immediately correcting

• Make space for uncomfortable conversations

• Notice changes in behavior

• Validate feelings even when we don't agree with the behavior

• Apologize when we've reacted poorly

• Remind our children that mistakes don't change their worth

• Let them know that asking for help is a strength

Our children need to know:

“You can tell me the hard things.”

“You are not a burden.”

“You don't have to handle this alone.”

“Your feelings matter.”

 A Parental Reminder

As parents, we sometimes want to fix everything our children experience. But we can't. We can pray. We can listen. We can seek professional help. We can sit beside them in the hard moments. And we can remind them that their worth was never dependent on their performance, popularity, grades, appearance, or accomplishments.

Their worth comes from who they are, not what they achieve.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

Sometimes our children need to experience that closeness through us first, a parent willing to sit beside them, listen without judgment, and remind them that they are deeply loved.

What If Your Child Tells You They're Suicidal?

Take it seriously. Stay calm. Listen. Don't shame, lecture, or argue with their feelings. Don't promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret. Secure potentially dangerous items when appropriate and seek professional support. If your child is in immediate danger, has a suicide plan or intent, has recently attempted suicide, or you cannot keep them safe, seek emergency assistance.

In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

This September, let's make suicide prevention about more than awareness. Let's make it about: Connection, Conversation, Compassion, and Hope. Because our kids don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to notice, listen, and stay connected.