September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to pause and recognize the importance of mental health and connection. Suicide affects individuals and families across every age, background, and community, yet it’s still surrounded by silence and stigma. This month reminds us that every life is valuable, and even small actions, checking in, listening, offering resources, can make a real difference. By educating ourselves, showing compassion, and connecting those who are struggling with support, we can help prevent loss and create a culture of care.
Recognizing the Signs of Struggle
Struggling with thoughts of suicide is often invisible. Someone may appear to function normally at school, work, or in social settings while carrying deep emotional pain inside. Recognizing the signs early can be lifesaving. Here are some signs to watch for, with examples and context:
Withdrawal and Isolation
A person may start avoiding friends, family, or social activities they once enjoyed. Teenagers might skip hanging out with peers or avoid extracurriculars, while adults may decline invitations or disengage from workplace relationships. Isolation often signals that someone is feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, and a gentle check-in can make a difference.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
Look for sudden or prolonged shifts in mood, including increased irritability, sadness, or emotional outbursts. Someone might become unusually quiet, lose interest in hobbies, or appear angry or anxious without a clear reason. These changes may indicate internal distress that isn’t being expressed verbally.
Loss of Interest or Motivation
If a person loses motivation for school, work, or daily routines, it can be a warning sign. Teens may stop completing assignments or practicing sports they once loved. Adults might struggle with professional responsibilities or personal goals. This lack of engagement often reflects feelings of hopelessness or low energy that require support.
Self-Harm or Risky Behavior
Engaging in self-harm, reckless driving, substance use, or other dangerous behaviors can indicate a need for immediate attention. These actions may be attempts to cope with overwhelming emotions, release tension, or communicate distress. Recognizing these behaviors early allows for intervention before harm escalates.
Verbal Cues
Pay attention to statements that express hopelessness or self-deprecation, such as “I can’t do this anymore,” “No one would care if I wasn’t here,” or “I wish I could disappear.” Direct or indirect talk about wanting to die should always be taken seriously. Even casual comments like these can signal that someone is struggling and needs support.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Sleep disturbances—either insomnia or excessive sleeping—and changes in appetite can be physical signs of emotional distress. Teens might stay up all night scrolling or suddenly skip meals. Adults might overeat or lose interest in eating. These shifts are often connected to underlying anxiety, depression, or stress and can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.
Loss of Hope or Sense of Purpose
A person may express that the future feels bleak, that they feel like a burden, or that nothing they do matters. This emotional state can show up subtly—through apathy, sarcasm, or withdrawal—or more overtly in conversations about giving up. Encouraging open dialogue and connecting them to professional help is crucial.
How You Can Support Someone this Month
Supporting someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide requires sensitivity, presence, and patience. Even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Here are some practical ways to help:
Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen. Let the person speak openly about their feelings without interrupting, minimizing, or offering immediate solutions. Phrases like, “I’m here for you,” or “I hear you, and I care,” can help someone feel seen and validated. Avoid judging or blaming—they are not seeking criticism, just understanding.
Check In Regularly
Consistency can be incredibly grounding. Even short messages like “Thinking of you today” or quick phone calls can remind someone that they are not alone. Regular check-ins communicate that their well-being matters, even on days when they don’t reach out themselves.
Encourage Professional Help
Therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals have the training to provide structured support. Gently encourage your loved one to reach out to a qualified provider for depression therapy, anxiety counseling, or suicide prevention support. Offer to help them find resources or even accompany them to an appointment if they feel anxious about going alone.
Create a Safety Plan Together
If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, help them create a safety plan—a structured set of steps for when thoughts become overwhelming. This might include identifying supportive people to call, listing coping strategies, and noting crisis hotline numbers. Collaborating on a plan can give both you and them a clear path forward during difficult moments.
Remove Immediate Risks
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, remove potential means of harm if possible (such as firearms, medications, or sharp objects) and stay with them until they are connected with help. Safety is the first priority, and it’s okay to take urgent action even if it feels uncomfortable.
Offer Emotional Support, Not Solutions
It can be tempting to “fix” the problem, but the goal is to provide a supportive presence. Help them navigate the path to professional help rather than attempting to manage the crisis alone. Validate their feelings, express empathy, and let them know it’s okay to seek help.
Know the Resources
Having crisis resources at your fingertips can save lives. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Missoula-based resources include local therapists, counselors, and support groups who specialize in mental health care. Sharing these resources calmly and compassionately can make a real difference.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally draining. Ensure you have your own support system in place, whether it’s friends, family, or a counselor, so you can show up fully for your loved one while maintaining your own mental health.
Resources
If you or someone you love is struggling, it’s important to know that help is available. The following resources provide support for anyone in crisis.
National and Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Trevor Project – Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or use their online chat.
Trans Lifeline – Peer support for trans individuals in crisis. Call 1-877-565-8860.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network – A directory of culturally responsive therapists for LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals. https://www.nqttc.org
Local Support in Missoula, MT
Bridger Peaks Counseling – Offers compassionate therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges, with experience supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients.
Missoula LGBTQ+ Community Center – Provides support groups, counseling referrals, and peer connection.
Missoula County Mental Health Services – Offers counseling, crisis support, and referral services.
Online & Text-Based Resources
Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 for confidential support.
HopeLine – Online support and information for suicide prevention: https://www.hopeline.com
Therapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Black Men – Culturally specific directories to help BIPOC individuals find mental health professionals who understand unique cultural experiences.
Tips for Using These Resources
Reach out even if you’re unsure; asking for help is a sign of strength.
You can contact multiple resources until you find the one that feels right.
Share these resources with friends, family, or colleagues who might need support.
Take the Next Step Toward Support
You don’t have to navigate mental health challenges alone. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, reaching out for support is a brave and powerful step. Here’s how you can start:
Contact Us. Schedule a consultation with our compassionate Missoula or Bozeman therapists to discuss your needs and explore counseling options tailored for you or your family.
Explore Our Resources. Browse our blog for insights on anxiety, depression, grief, and more.
Connect with Support Networks. Use trusted national and local resources, including crisis lines, support groups, and culturally responsive directories, for immediate help or ongoing support.
Additional Services We Offer in Bozeman & Missoula, MT
At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we’re dedicated to offering a diverse range of mental health services to support your unique needs. Our team of therapists provide teen counseling, addiction counseling, couples counseling, and body image counseling. We also offer specialized care for depression, grief and loss, and online therapy options. Other services include EMDR, postpartum anxiety and depression counseling, and psychiatric care.