Together for Hope: Honoring National Suicide Prevention Week
Date: 09/10/25
This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. It’s a time to talk about mental health, share hope and remind people that it’s okay to ask for help.
These talks shouldn’t happen just one week a year. Mental health is important all the time. Many people struggle quietly every day.
Whether MHS members need help, want to support someone else, or just want to learn more, this blog has a list of helpful resources for you.
What is Suicide?
Mental health issues can affect everyone, and suicide is the most dangerous of all. According to the CDC, Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die.
A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die because of their actions.
Signs of Suicidal Behavior or Intent
Suicide in Indiana is the state’s eleventh leading cause of death. It affects thousands of Hoosiers every year—including teens and student aged children.
Teens may face unstable relationships with family. They may struggle balancing the stress of school and sports with their friendships and relationships.
Adults may face stress over their money or their marriage. They may worry about taking care of their children or aging parents.
The elderly may feel like burdens on their families. They may feel down watching their friends and families pass away.
If you’re worried someone in your life is experiencing suicidal thoughts, or if you are experiencing them yourself, here are some behaviors to look for.
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items or making a will
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible.
There are lots of different stressors that can lead to thoughts of suicide. Remember, when you feel down, depressed or anxious, you are not alone. There are ways to seek out or provide support to manage or even lessen these mental burdens.
The Power of Prevention
Sometimes preventing suicide is as simple as offering the right support at the right time. There are many resources available for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Call the National Suicide Hotline Number 800-273-TALK (8255)
Text IN to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling.
For military service members, veterans and family, call 800-273-8255 and press 1
For support for youth under the age of 24, visit Youthline.
For more consistent support, ask your doctor for referrals to a behavioral health specialist. They may recommend a therapist or a support group to help you get the support you need.
If you are nervous to speak with one of these resources, that’s okay. Reach out to someone in your personal life. By expressing your feelings to a loved one, they can help support you. Ask for frequent check-ins to make sure you always have someone to talk with if you are struggling.
Remember, You Are Not Alone
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you are feeling sad, worried or scared, you are not alone—there are people who care about you and want to help. National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us how important it is to talk about our feelings and support each other, not just this week, but all year long.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time, don’t wait to reach out. A small step like talking to a friend, family member or therapist can make a big difference. Help is always available, and hope is always possible.