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What to Know About Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

USAFacts reports that “the suicide rate in New Hampshire has increased by 61.2% over the past 20 years.” But we’re also one of the few states in the country with “a task force, commission, or advisory group focused on suicide prevention,” according to the New Hampshire Bulletin. Nevertheless, statistics like the one above stress the importance of continued awareness. 

With the help of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—an annual effort promoted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—we can unify to draw attention to “the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.”

How to Turn Compassion Into Action

Every September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month calls us to move from acknowledgment to connection, from awareness to action. Grounded in the SAMHSA 2025 theme, “Together in Strength, Dignity, Hope, and Purpose,” there are different initiatives each week that foster healing and hope across communities: 

  • Sept 1–5: Understanding Risk: Embracing Treatment, Hope, and Resilience
    This week encourages a better understanding of suicide’s complexities and promotes evidence-based care as a beacon of recovery and strength.
  • Sept 8–12: Building Community Partnerships and Supports
    Together, we build resilience. Peer-led efforts and local collaboration reduce stigma and weave a sense of belonging.
  • Sept 15–19: Improving Care and Outcomes for People at Risk
    Sustained support is critical. This theme underscores the importance of accessible resources, safety planning, self-care routines, and follow-up care.
  • Week 4 (Sept 22–30): Promoting Dignity Through Connection
    Lived experiences matter. This week lifts voices shaped by personal journeys, reminding us that a simple check-in or story can restore dignity and hope.

Connection isn’t just comforting—it’s a protective anchor. Supportive relationships can help individuals feel seen, valued, and less alone, dramatically reducing suicide risk.

How Can You Promote Suicide Prevention Awareness? 

First, understand critical risk factors. For example, several interconnected challenges can drive someone toward despair:

  • Mental illness—such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and others—distorts hope and self-understanding.
  • Substance misuse often intensifies emotional pain and impulsivity.
  • Trauma, chronic physical pain, or loss—like bereavement or a relationship. Breakdown—leaves many individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
  • Social marginalization, especially among youth or underserved groups, increases loneliness and emotional vulnerability.
  • Veterans and first responders often struggle with the perceived stigma of mental health issues. 

Next, recognize suicide warning signs such as: 

  • Behavioral changes like anger, irritability, or risk-taking.
  • Withdrawal from relationships or activities.
  • Expressions of worthlessness or being unwanted.
  • Self-harm or increased isolation.
  • Increased alcohol or drug use.
  • Statements of hopelessness or feeling like a burden.
  • Talking about harming themselves or others.
  • Sudden calmness after a long period of distress.
  • Giving away belongings or discussing death.
  • A drop in work or academic performance.
  • Physical complaints without a clear cause.
  • Planning for a suicide attempt by researching how to do it. 

Important Crisis Hotlines to Share

If you or someone you love needs help right away, reach out to these free and confidential resources: 

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call or text 988, or use the online chat function.
  • Copline: Available to current and former law enforcement personnel and their families 24/7. Call 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463).
  • Fire/EMS Helpline: Available to firefighters, EMTs, rescue personnel, and their families 24/7. Call 1-888-731-FIRE (3473).
  • LGBT National Hotline: Available to all members of the LGBTQIA+2s community, including youth, adults, and seniors, Monday–Saturday during specific hours. Call 888-843-4564 for the primary hotline or visit the website for other options. 
  • NAMI Helpline. Available to everyone in need of one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources needed to tackle tough challenges, Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. EST. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text ‘NAMI’ to 62640.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text ‘START’ to 88788, or use the online chat function.
  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or text ‘HOPE’ to 64673, or use the online chat function.
  • The Trevor Project Crisis Line: Available to LGBTQIA+2s youth 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text ‘START’ to 678-678, or use the online chat function.
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Available to Veterans and their loved ones 24/7. Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255, or use the online chat function. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with caring, qualified responders.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website has additional crisis assistance. 

You Matter at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire

And you deserve compassionate, dedicated care to improve your health—and your life. Our primary mission at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment and continuing care. We have three locations to serve you: 


Our board-certified medical professionals value you and want to help you succeed.