Suicide Prevention Month

Talking openly about suicide can feel difficult, but starting a compassionate conversation can help someone feel seen, heard, and less alone. During Suicide Prevention Month, NAMI is encouraging everyone to recognize the warning signs, ask directly, listen without judgment, and help connect people with support. One conversation can make a difference, and following up can help that support continue.

Explore NAMI’s suicide prevention resources for practical guidance on how to begin the conversation, support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, navigate a mental health crisis, and reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You’ll also find information to help families, peers, and communities build stronger networks of care. 

Suicide Prevention Month may end with September, but the conversations that help people feel supported and connected should continue all year.

988 is the nationwide, 3-digit number people can  contact for help during a mental health, substance use, or suicide  crisis. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via  call, text, or chat online at 988Lifeline.org. Since 988 became  available four years ago, more than 26 million people have reached out to receive compassionate help when they or a loved one needed it. 

And new data shows that 988 is having an impact. Youth suicide rates in the United States were 11% lower than expected from 2022 to 2024, or roughly 4,400 fewer deaths in young adults.  

But 988 is only as strong as the resources we give to it. Join NAMI’s advocacy to urge Congress to continue to invest in 988 to ensure that a humane and effective crisis response system is there  for anyone who needs it. That means more capacity at local crisis  centers, more training for staff, and more availability for mobile  crisis response services that  can save lives. Together, we can protect and strengthen how we help  people in a mental health crisis and build the crisis response system we  all deserve.  

Help us spread the word about 988 with your friends and family for #988Day. And remember: whatever you are facing, whatever your reason for contacting 988, don’t hesitate – 988 is here to help. Learn more about 988 & NAMI’s vision to reimagine crisis response at nami.org/988.