Nurturing Mental Health During Suicide Awareness Month

September Reminds Us: Taking Care of Our Mental Health Is Essential

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to hold space for the conversations that too often remain in the shadows. Behind every statistic is a person carrying a story, a struggle, and a deep yearning to be seen and understood. Suicide doesn’t discriminate; it impacts families, friends, and entire communities. Awareness is more than recognizing the signs—it’s about compassion, creating safe spaces, and reminding ourselves and others that no one has to walk through their pain alone.

This month is also a call to action: to nurture our mental health with the same care we give our physical well-being. Whether that means reaching out for support, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, or checking in on someone you love—each step matters. Healing begins when we give ourselves permission to prioritize our well-being and remind others it’s a sign of strength to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

Nurturing your mental health can look different for everyone, but some practices include taking quiet moments to breathe deeply, journaling your thoughts, spending time outdoors, moving your body in ways that feel good, connecting with supportive people, or seeking professional counseling. Even small daily actions can create a foundation of resilience. The most important thing is giving yourself permission to care for every part of who you are—mind, body, and spirit.