By Emily Ryman
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, share life-saving resources, and, most importantly, talk about a subject that too often stays in the shadows. Suicide can feel like an impossible topic to bring up, but silence can cost lives. The more we speak openly and compassionately, the more we can help prevent tragedy and support those who are struggling.
I know this personally. Nearly 11 years ago, my 37-year-old brother-in-law took his own life. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 20s and struggled often with his mental health. On the outside, he was a husband, a father of two small children, a part of our family’s everyday life. But inside, he was carrying a pain none of us fully understood.
One day, without warning and without leaving a note, he ended his life. His wife and children were devastated. Years later, they still carry the weight of that loss. My family had to step in to care for them while also dealing with our own shock and grief. It’s confusing; on one hand, I can understand he must have been in deep mental anguish. On the other, I see the ripple effect, the collateral damage, and the hole his absence left in so many lives.
That’s why I believe these conversations matter so much. Talking about suicide doesn’t make it more likely. In fact, research shows that asking about suicidal thoughts can actually reduce a person’s distress and help them feel less alone. It tells them you see their pain, and you care.
Why We Avoid the Topic
Many people fear that mentioning suicide might “plant the idea” in someone’s mind. Others simply don’t know what to say, so they say nothing. Stigma around mental illness and suicide runs deep; it’s seen as taboo, a sign of weakness, or a private matter. These misconceptions make it harder for those in crisis to reach out and for loved ones to notice the warning signs.
The Power of a Conversation
Breaking the silence starts with small, genuine conversations. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to help. You just need to be willing to listen without judgment. You can say:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really down lately, and I’m worried about you.”
“I care about you, and I want to understand what you’re going through.”
“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
These questions may feel uncomfortable, but they open the door for honesty. They give someone a safe place to share thoughts they may have been hiding.
Supporting Someone in Crisis
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide:
Stay calm and present. Listen more than you speak.
Take it seriously. Never brush it off as “attention-seeking” or a phase.
Encourage professional help. Offer to help them find a counselor, call a hotline, or even go with them to an appointment.
Remove immediate dangers if possible, such as firearms or medications.
A Community Responsibility
Suicide prevention isn’t only the job of doctors or crisis lines — it’s a shared responsibility. Families, friends, co-workers, neighbors can all help create a culture where it’s safe to talk about mental health. That means checking in on people, normalizing therapy and medication, and not shying away from hard topics.
For my family, the loss of my brother-in-law is a reminder that silence can hide suffering. We can’t go back and change what happened, but we can honor his memory by speaking up, and making sure others know it’s okay to share their pain before it becomes too heavy to carry alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call Elevate at 262-677-2216, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7.
This September, let’s break the silence. Let’s talk about suicide — not in whispers, but in voices full of compassion and hope.
