Governor's Challenge Corner: National Suicide Prevention Month
South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Corner
The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Group is a coalition of Veterans, state agencies/leaders and mental health professionals committed to raising awareness and implementing programs aimed at Veteran suicide prevention.
Every month we will highlight a national health or awareness theme, providing brief information and resources to help Veterans, families, and communities stay informed and connected to important issues affecting their well-being.
This month the Governor’s Challenge team is highlighting Suicide Prevention Month.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a month dedicated to increasing awareness of suicide, reducing stigma, and strengthening community-based prevention efforts.
Suicide prevention is something we can all be part of. A caring conversation, a check-in with someone who may be struggling, or helping someone connect with support can make a difference.
September became National Suicide Prevention Month because of World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on September 10th. World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organization to give countries around the world a shared date to focus public attention on suicide as a preventable cause of death. In 2008, the United States expanded the observance to the entire month to allow for sustained outreach and education.
The objective of Suicide Prevention Month is not just to prevent unnecessary deaths, but to build a supportive community with resources, compassion, and understanding for those who need them.
The meaning of National Suicide Prevention Month
According to the Ness Center, National Suicide Prevention Month serves multiple vital purposes:
- Raising Awareness: By sharing stories, statistics, and facts, the campaign challenges widespread myths and reduces stigma. It also helps with increasing public understanding of suicide, the warning signs and risk factors.
- Promoting Open Dialogue: Talking openly about mental health saves lives. Schools, workplaces, and faith groups use this month to educate and create spaces where people feel safe to speak up and seek help. There is special emphasis on reaching underserved communities and combating cultural taboos.
- Connecting to Resources: Many people contemplating suicide do not know where to turn. The month amplifies awareness of resources and crisis support options like 988, text lines, and local outreach services that are accessible to people in crisis, as well as their loved ones.
- Empowering Survivors and Advocates: National Suicide Prevention Month honors those lost to suicide and supports people living with suicidal thoughts or recovering from attempts. Events such as vigils, remembrance activities, community gatherings, and advocacy work help reduce isolation, promote healing, and pave the way for greater understanding.
- Driving Policy and Funding: Focused attention during September fuels advocacy for increased mental health funding, healthcare access, research initiatives, and the implementation of evidence-based practices across health care systems and Veteran-serving systems.
Know the Warning Signs
Someone who is thinking about suicide may show changes in their mood, behavior, or relationships. Warning signs can include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless, or like they are a burden.
- Talking about death or suicide, or expressing a desire to die.
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they usually enjoy.
- Giving away important belongings or saying goodbye to people.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Sudden or extreme changes in mood or behavior.
- Taking unusual risks or acting recklessly.
If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. Reach out, listen without judgment, and let the person know you care.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Important Dates in September
September 8 – 988 Day
988 Day helps raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and reminds people that crisis support is available when they need it.
September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day brings people together around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen suicide prevention efforts.
September 21 through 25 – National Buddy Check Week
National Buddy Check Week is an annual Department of Veterans Affairs initiative to promote peer wellness, mental health support, and veteran suicide prevention. It encourages Veterans to connect or reconnect with their Veteran friends, just to check in and helps to reinforce the message that you are not alone.
You Are Not Alone
Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We can help create a community where people feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. You don’t have to face it alone.
Call or text 988
Call 911 for immediate danger
Or connect with a trusted health care provider or support person.
A conversation can be the beginning of hope. Sometimes, simply being there can make all the difference.
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