September - Suicide Prevention Month
Dear readers,
Suicide Prevention Month holds a deep personal significance for me. As a teenager, I struggled with severe depression that led to years of self-harm and two suicide attempts. It often felt like I was drowning in a darkness I couldn’t escape. On some days, getting out of bed and facing the world seemed impossible. I vividly remember how alone I felt, convinced that no one could truly understand what I was going through. How could they, when I couldn’t even understand why I felt this way?
Moving away for college was a fresh start for my mental health. I left my tiny hometown of Raceland, Louisiana to move to Baton Rouge to attend Louisiana State University. I had to make all new friends, and I felt like I was able to get away from the darkness that plagued my high school days. Two break ups later, the Covid-19 pandemic, and college graduation approaching fast, I talked with my doctor about getting onto medicine to help with my severe anxiety. All of my college friends were talking so highly about Lexapro, so I was very excited for what it could do for me. Well … I learned that medicine doesn’t work for me. My depression came back worse than it had ever been. The only way I can describe the feeling is numb. I didn’t care about ANYTHING. My doctor pulled me off the medicine right away, but I was left with no place to turn. I was avoiding therapy at the time (I wish I had a good reason to say why I was avoiding it), so I turned to yoga and meditation. Life was starting to feel normal again, but then tragedy hit my family home. I lost my dad to his alcohol addiction when I was 23 years old. Because of his addiction (his addiction started when I was 16), we weren’t as close as we had been when I was younger (one would have called me a daddy’s girl). I was tasked with creating a slide show of pictures for his funeral. Seeing all the photos of him in his youth broke me in a way I never thought a person could break. I was crying every single day because so many things reminded me of him.
I started therapy about 3 months after he died. Let me tell you .. THERAPY WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF. It gave me the tools I needed to deal with my anxiety without the help of medicine. It showed me what was my past didn’t have to be my future, and it taught me that I am able to dig myself out of this dark place should I ever fall into it again.
If there is one thing I’ve learned through my 26 years of existence, it’s that the darkness doesn’t last forever—there is always a path forward, even when it seems impossible to see.
With lots of love,
Sarah Brown, Board Member of the You Aren’t Alone Project
Each September, during Suicide Prevention Month, we take the time to remind ourselves and others that hope is real, help is available, and no one has to walk this journey alone.
You Aren’t Alone—Even When It Feels That Way
We all face moments in life where the weight of the world feels unbearable. It’s easy to feel isolated in those moments, thinking no one could possibly understand the pain we carry. But the truth is, you aren’t alone. There are people who care deeply about you, even when it feels impossible to believe.
Maybe it’s a friend who checks in, a family member who offers a listening ear, or a stranger who reaches out with kindness. These moments, small as they seem, can be life-saving. And if you’re in a place where you feel there’s no one to turn to, know that resources are available, designed to connect you with people who understand and want to help.
Recognizing the Signs
Sometimes, recognizing the signs of someone in crisis can be difficult, even when they’re right in front of us. If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to be aware of these potential warning signs:
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden to others.
Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
Extreme mood swings, from intense sadness to sudden calm.
Engaging in risky behaviors or increased substance use.
Giving away personal belongings or saying goodbye in subtle ways.
If you notice any of these behaviors in yourself or others, it’s essential to take them seriously and act quickly.
Creating a suicide safety plan
Creating a suicide safety plan is an essential tool for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s a personal, actionable guide designed to help you get through moments of crisis by reminding you of your reasons for living and providing you with steps to stay safe.
Here’s how to create a suicide safety plan:
Identify Your Warning Signs: Start by recognizing the feelings, thoughts, or situations that may trigger suicidal thoughts. This could be increased isolation, overwhelming sadness, or a sense of hopelessness. Knowing these signs can help you catch the early stages of a crisis.
List Coping Strategies: Write down the activities or techniques that help you cope when you're feeling overwhelmed. This could include deep breathing exercises, journaling, taking a walk, or listening to music. These are things you can do on your own to try to calm the storm in your mind.
Find Your Support System: Include the names and contact information of people you trust—friends, family members, or a counselor—who can offer emotional support. Sometimes just talking to someone who cares can help you feel less alone.
Contact Professionals: Write down the numbers for professionals or hotlines you can reach out to, such as your therapist, a crisis counselor, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. These resources are there to help in moments of urgent need.
Make Your Environment Safe: If you’re feeling particularly vulnerable, it’s important to remove any items from your surroundings that could be used to harm yourself, such as sharp objects, medications, or firearms.
Remember Your Reasons for Living: In moments of crisis, it’s easy to forget the things that matter. Write down your reasons for living—whether it’s your loved ones, dreams for the future, or even small joys like your favorite book or place to visit. When suicidal thoughts arise, these reminders can help pull you back from the edge.
Keep this plan in a place where you can easily access it, and don’t hesitate to share it with someone you trust. Having a safety plan in place can provide you with guidance and strength when you need it most. You deserve to be here, and there are always ways to protect yourself during those darkest moments.
Resources for Immediate Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the most important step is reaching out. Here are some trusted resources that offer support, both nationally and locally:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
The Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ youth can call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for information and support.
These resources are here for you in your darkest moments, offering a lifeline when it feels like there’s none left. You deserve to be heard, and help is always available.
How to Support a Loved One
If you’re worried about someone you care about, reaching out can make all the difference. Be open and honest, and ask direct questions: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “How can I help you right now?” These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they are crucial in breaking down the barriers of silence.
Listen without judgment, offer your support, and encourage them to seek professional help. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there and cares can be enough to prevent a tragedy.
Moving Forward Together
Suicide Prevention Month is not just a time for reflection; it’s a call to action. By raising awareness, offering resources, and spreading compassion, we can create a world where fewer people feel trapped in their pain.
If you’re struggling, please remember: there is hope, and there is help. You aren’t alone, even when it feels like the darkness will never end. Reach out, lean on others, and know that brighter days are ahead.
