September and Suicide Prevention - Having the Hard Conversations

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We know it's not easy to talk about, but it's a conversation that saves lives. We lose people every year who might still be with us if they'd felt safe reaching out or if someone close to them had recognized the signs.

Here in The Bay, our close-knit community means we often know when our neighbors are struggling. But knowing someone is having a hard time and knowing how to help can feel like two very different things. At C.A. Counseling and Consultants, we've walked alongside many families and individuals through their darkest moments, and we want to share what we've learned about having these difficult but life-saving conversations.

Most of us get uncomfortable when suicide comes up in conversation. We're afraid we'll say something wrong or make things worse. There's this old myth that talking about suicide puts the idea in someone's head. That's just not true. Research shows the opposite, honest conversations about suicide actually help people get the support they need.

Pay attention to the people you care about. Someone talking about feeling hopeless? Saying they feel like a burden? Mentioning they feel trapped with no way out? Those aren't just bad days, they're warning signs. Watch for people pulling back from things that used to matter to them, skipping the community gatherings they used to love, avoiding the lake activities that always brought them peace.

When you're worried about someone, ask them straight up: "Are you thinking about ending your life?" Yes, it's scary to ask. But it opens the door. If they say yes, don't freak out. Thank them for trusting you. Listen without trying to fix everything. Help them find professional help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in the United States who needs support. They have trained counselors who know how to help people work through suicidal thoughts and connect with local resources. You can call, text, or chat with them online at any time.

If you're having thoughts of suicide, listen to us: these feelings don't last forever. We know the pain feels permanent right now. We know it seems like there's no way out. But suicidal thoughts usually mean you're dealing with more pain than you have tools to handle. That's fixable.

Call someone. A friend, your mom, a counselor, or dial 988. You don't need a speech prepared. Sometimes just saying "I'm not okay" out loud can give you enough relief to take the next step.We get it, living in a place like The Bay means privacy can be hard to come by. You might worry about word getting around. But here's the thing about small towns: when someone's hurting, people show up. Don't let fear of gossip keep you from getting help.

We need to be the kind of community where people can say "I'm struggling" without shame. Where mental health is just health. Where everyone in The Bay knows their pain matters and help exists.

Nobody should face their worst moments alone. Our team specializes in crisis work and suicide prevention. We know it takes guts to ask for help. When people trust us with their pain, we don't take that lightly.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and know that when you call C.A. Counseling and Consultants, we will be there to walk with you through the hard times. You don't have to face this alone – not in The Bay, not anywhere.