If you or someone you know is going through a hard time and having suicidal thoughts or considering harming themselves, please know that there is a way out and help is available anytime, anywhere by calling 1-800-273-8255. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is an important time of the year to talk about mental health and the many resources and caring, helpful people available to provide help for those in need. More than 41,000 people a year are lost to suicide, and it can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or background. Military veterans are particularly vulnerable; about 22 veterans are lost to suicide per day.

During this month, it is important to talk about suicide and to remove the stigma that often walls in those who have been affected by it from speaking out. Sharing is caring, and so talking about suicide prevention and actions that can be taken to help save a life is important.

Most people who are lost to suicide show warning signs, and according to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, research shows that people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks about their well-being in a caring way — that acknowledging and talking about suicide may actually reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

During this month, but also throughout the year, talking about mental health and suicide, while difficult, can be beneficial to all of us. Even just one conversation can change a person’s life for the better. In Michigan, legislation that I support would create a commission to study the causes and underlying factors of suicide in our state. The commission would also provide recommendations for state coordination on suicide prevention data collection and a coordinated state approach to the prevention of suicide.

If you are going through a hard time, or know of someone who is, reach out and talk. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing free, confidential emotional support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need help, call 1-800-273-8255 today.

For more information, visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.