September Is Suicide Prevention Month—Here’s How You Can Help

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:

1. 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.

2. Explore Our Resources. Browse our blog for insights on anxiety, depression, grief, and more. 

3. 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.

Preparing Your Family for the School Year: Therapy Tips for a Smoother Transition

New teachers. New schedules. New routines. Whether your kids are entering kindergarten or heading into their senior year, the back-to-school transition often brings a mix of excitement and stress. As a parent, you might find yourself juggling school supply lists, shifting sleep schedules, and the emotional ups and downs that come with change.

Maybe your teen is balancing AP classes, athletics, or just adjusting to new social dynamics, here are some therapy-informed tips to make the transition smoother for everyone.

Start Conversations Early And Keep Them Going

Instead of waiting until the first day of school, begin gently checking in with your child or teen a few weeks beforehand. Ask how they’re feeling about the new school year, and listen without immediately trying to fix or reassure. For teens, especially those with busy academic or athletic schedules, school can come with a lot of pressure to perform. Giving them space to talk about their fears or goals can help them feel emotionally supported rather than rushed back into the grind.

Open-ended questions like “What are you looking forward to?” or “Is there anything you’re worried about?” can open the door to deeper conversations. These check-ins also give you a window into whether your child may be experiencing underlying anxiety or stress that could benefit from extra support like counseling.

Rebuild Routines Gradually

Summer schedules are often looser and more flexible, which can make the back-to-school routine feel like a rude awakening. Instead of making abrupt changes, start shifting sleep schedules, mealtimes, and screen time boundaries at least a week or two before school begins.

For families with student athletes, this is especially important. Practice schedules, early morning workouts, and game days require physical energy and mental stamina. Without a strong routine, your teen could become more susceptible to burnout, injury, or emotional overwhelm. Help them gradually adjust their habits so the school-year routine feels familiar by the time it starts—not jarring.

Prioritize Mental Health Alongside Academics

As a parent, it’s natural to want your child to succeed, but sometimes, that focus on achievement can unintentionally overshadow their emotional well-being. This is especially true for high-performing teens or student athletes who may already feel pressure from coaches, teachers, or peers.

Help your child understand that their mental health matters just as much as their grades or performance on the field. Look for signs of stress like trouble sleeping, irritability, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. Consider carving out time in their weekly schedule for rest, hobbies, or even therapy. Bridger Peaks Counseling can provide a safe place to decompress and talk through stressors in a way that feels validating and constructive.

Acknowledge That Transitions Are Hard, for Everyone

Parents often put pressure on themselves to have everything figured out, but it’s okay if this time of year feels overwhelming to you, too. Between packing lunches, managing logistics, and being the emotional anchor for your family, you may also be experiencing burnout or stress.

Therapy isn’t just for teens, it can be a powerful tool for parents navigating family transitions, identity shifts, or emotional exhaustion. Modeling this kind of care and vulnerability shows your children that asking for support is healthy, not shameful.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Seek Support

One of the best things you can do for your family is normalize therapy as a proactive resource, not a last resort. If you notice signs that your child is struggling, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or avoidance behaviors, it might be time to bring in professional support.

A therapist can help your child explore the root causes of their stress, whether it’s anxiety, depression, social pressures, or something else entirely. For student athletes, therapy can also provide strategies to manage performance anxiety, perfectionism, or physical and mental fatigue.

Begin Counseling for Your Family in Missoula or Bozeman, MT

At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we help families prepare for the emotional ups and downs of the school year with care, compassion, and practical tools. Whether you’re noticing changes in your child’s mood, struggling with your own burnout as a parent, or simply want to make this transition smoother for everyone, our therapists are here to support you.

We offer in-person counseling in Bozeman and Missoula, as well as virtual therapy throughout Montana. Reach out today to learn how we can help your family start the school year with more calm and connection.

1. Reach out to schedule a consultation, we’re happy to answer questions and talk through your options.

2. Explore our therapists to find someone who’s a good fit for your family’s needs.

3. Watch your child or teen feel more confident and connected as they move into the school year with tools that actually help.

Other Therapy Services in Bozeman & Missoula, MT

At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we understand that each family and individual has unique needs, which is why we offer a variety of services to support you at every stage of life. In addition to helping families prepare for the school year, we provide counseling for teens navigating academic and social pressures, therapy for depression and anxiety, and support for those facing body image concerns. We offer postpartum anxiety and depression counseling, grief and loss therapy, and trauma recovery, including specialized EMDR therapy.