September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

According to USAFacts, in 2025, “there were about 10.4 suicides for every 100,000 people in California”, and unfortunately, the suicide rate has increased in the state by more than 8% in the past 20 years. Additional research indicates that the rate of suicide in the state is higher among men, Veterans, members of the American Indian/Alaska Native community, individuals living in rural areas, and LGBTQIA+2s adults and youth.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) strongly promotes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month as a way to explain “the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.”

Together in Strength: Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Matters

Every September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month offers a vital pause—a time to honor lives lost, to offer hope to those who struggle, and to recommit ourselves to compassion, connection, and action. In 2025, SAMHSA’s toolkit builds this mission around a deeply resonant theme: “Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose”, inviting all of us to foster a world where no one faces despair alone.

People may consider or attempt suicide due to a complex interplay of psychological, biological, environmental, and social factors.

Mental Health Conditions

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are strongly linked to suicidal ideation. These disorders frequently distort thinking, increase feelings of hopelessness, and diminish the ability to cope with everyday stressors.

Alcohol and Drug Misuse

Substance use disorders, which often co-occur with mental illness as a dual diagnosis, can also significantly raise the risk of suicidal behavior by impairing judgment and intensifying emotional pain. Additionally, a history of trauma, abuse, or chronic pain can create persistent emotional distress that may lead someone to believe suicide is the only escape.

Environmental and Situational Stressors

SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that major life disruptions—such as financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, job loss, discrimination, or the death of a loved one—often trigger suicidal crises, especially when someone lacks social support. Among youth and marginalized populations, adverse childhood experiences or conflicts such as experiences of bullying, rejection, or social isolation are particularly concerning.

For individuals who feel misunderstood, unsupported, or like a burden to others, suicidal thoughts can emerge as a perceived solution to end their suffering. These risks often compound when access to mental health care is limited or stigmatized, underscoring the urgent need for accessible, compassionate support systems.

How Can You Participate in Suicide Prevention Awareness?

Starting September 1, different initiatives will help call attention to crucial issues and provide access to various resources. SAMHSA’s toolkit brings clarity and purpose with focused weekly themes designed to deepen understanding, spark engagement, and nurture healing:

Sept 1–5: Understanding Risk: Embracing Treatment, Hope, and Resilience
This week emphasizes that suicide is preventable and healing is personal. Recognizing warning signs, connecting to supportive care, and encouraging stories of hope can make all the difference.
Sept 8–12: Building Community Partnerships and Supports
Community-led, peer-driven efforts can help dismantle stigma and foster a sense of belonging. People with lived experience—such as Veterans or survivors—bring important insights that strengthen prevention strategies.
Sept 15–19: Improving Care and Outcomes for People at Risk
Access to care must be clear and continuous. Safety plans, follow-up care, and evidence-based treatment all build lasting support structures that empower recovery and resilience.
Sept 22–30: Promoting Dignity Through Connection
When people feel heard, valued, and seen, they’re more likely to seek help. Encouraging individuals with lived experience to tell their stories fosters humanity, healing, and hope.

Critical Hotlines to Share

Here are some important free and confidential resources that can help you or someone you love right away:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call or text 988, or use the online chat function.
Copline: Available to current and former law enforcement personnel and their families 24/7. Call 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463).
Fire/EMS Helpline: Available to firefighters, EMTs, rescue personnel, and their families 24/7. Call 1-888-731-FIRE (3473).
LGBT National Hotline: Available to all members of the LGBTQIA+2s community, including youth, adults, and seniors, Monday–Saturday during specific hours. Call 888-843-4564 for the primary hotline or visit the website for other options.
NAMI Helpline. Available to everyone in need of one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources needed to tackle tough challenges, Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. EST. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text ‘NAMI’ to 62640.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text ‘START’ to 88788, or use the online chat function.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or text ‘HOPE’ to 64673, or use the online chat function.
The Trevor Project Crisis Line: Available to LGBTQIA+2s youth 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text ‘START’ to 678-678, or use the online chat function.
Veterans Crisis Line: Available to Veterans and their loved ones 24/7. Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255, or use the online chat function. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with caring, qualified responders.

The California Department of Public Health also offers this extensive list of other hotlines and warmlines.

Find Dedicated, Compassionate Care at Fair Oaks

You matter. And together, we’ll create a sanctuary for healing and set a course for a better future. Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, is an inclusive, licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital—a status issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis/mood disorder treatment facilities. Our goal is to provide you or a loved one with individualized, evidence-based care solutions. Please call us anytime for a free, confidential assessment.

For more information about programs offered at Fair Oaks Recovery Center, including our intensive outpatient program in Sacramento, please call us today at (888) 576-0222.