September 2026 – Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While they may be common, they should never be seen as normal. More often than not, they signal deep emotional pain or an underlying mental health concern that deserves understanding, care, and professional support. Yet, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. Despite the prevalence of illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment and support. The fear of judgment and discrimination often prevents individuals from seeking help.
NAMI reports that roughly half (52%) of adults with a mental illness go without treatment.
It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Stigma grows in silence, so here are some tips for helping break the silence:
· Educate yourself and others. Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.
· Talk openly. Break the silence surrounding mental health by initiating open and honest conversations with friends, family and colleagues. Sharing personal experiences or listening without judgment can help create a safe space for others.
· Choose words carefully. Avoid stigmatizing words and use person-first language, emphasizing the individual rather than their condition.
· Encourage equal treatment of physical and mental health conditions. Mental illness is a medical condition, so it should be treated like any other medical condition.
· Speak up. If you suspect someone is struggling, send them messages of support or help them get on the path to treatment.
National Wellbeing Resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 / Chat online: 988lifeline.org / Spanish: Dial 988, then press 2
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-900-662-HELP (4357). Available in English and Spanish
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) M-F 10 -10 EST. Text NAMI to 62640
Have more questions?
Venbrook, our preferred benefits partners, is available to assist you! Please contact Robert Guenther, Sr. Account Manager, at RGuenther@venbrook.com or Jennifer Green, VP of Wellbeing & Engagement, at jgreen@venbrook.com
Venbrook Group, LLC
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Jennifer Green Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement
- September 01, 2026
- (949)652-6327
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