September is Suicide Prevention Month: Youth Can Be Powerful Allies

By Sierra Moulton, Senior Director - Behavioral Health Programs, YMCA of Greater Seattle

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide can be a difficult or scary topic to talk about, but young people can play an important role in helping friends who may be struggling.

Friends are often among the first to notice when something seems different. They may see changes in behavior, hear concerning comments, or notice social media posts that adults don't. Simply paying attention, checking in, and helping a friend connect with support can make a meaningful difference.

At the YMCA Social Impact Center, our mental health professionals work every day to break stigma, open doors for conversation, and help young people and families know they are not alone. But you don't have to be a mental health professional to be there for someone who needs help.

How to Help a Friend Who May Be Thinking About Suicide

Know some of the warning signs.
Pay attention to changes in your friend's mood or behavior. Maybe they seem more irritable or impulsive than usual, withdraw from friends or activities, talk about feeling hopeless or like a burden, give away prized possessions, or post concerning content online. Take changes like these seriously, especially if they're new or connected to a painful event, loss, or major change.

Reach out and ask.
You don't need the perfect words to check in. Ask how they're doing and let them know you care. If you're worried they may be thinking about suicide, it's okay to ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking about suicide does not make someone more likely to act on those thoughts. It can help someone who is hurting feel seen and less alone.

Listen without judgment.
Give your friend space to talk and take what they tell you seriously. You don't need to have all the answers or try to fix what they're going through. Listening and helping them take the next step can be powerful.

Tell a trusted adult.
If a friend tells you they're thinking about suicide, don't try to handle it alone and don't promise to keep it a secret. Tell a trusted adult, such as a parent or caregiver, teacher, school counselor, coach, or another adult you trust. Getting help isn't betraying your friend. It's helping connect them with people who can support them.

Connect them with help.
Encourage your friend to talk with a trusted adult or mental health professional. You can also help them call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or connect with another crisis resource. Offer to stay with them while they make the call or reach out for support.

Resources That Can Help

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. You can also contact 988 if you're concerned about someone else.

Teen Link – Crisis Connections
Teen Link provides confidential peer support for teens, by teens.

YMCA of Greater Seattle
Learn more about suicide prevention and mental health resources available through the YMCA Social Impact Center.

Additional resources include NAMI, Seize the Awkward, and Talk Away the Dark.

Noticing that a friend is struggling doesn't mean you're responsible for solving what they're going through. But reaching out, listening, telling a trusted adult, and helping them connect with support can make a powerful difference.