September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and remind our community that help is always available and suicide is preventable. At TherapyWorks, we believe no one should struggle alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, each of us has the power to make a difference.
If you’ve noticed someone in your life struggling with their mental health, here are some ways you can offer meaningful support:
1. Start with Compassion
Sometimes the hardest step is simply starting the conversation. You don’t need to have the perfect words—just let them know you care. A simple “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately. How are you doing, really?” can open the door.
2. Listen Without Judgment
When someone shares their feelings, resist the urge to “fix” or minimize their struggles. Instead, focus on listening and validating their experience. Phrases like “That sounds really hard” or “I’m here for you” can be incredibly grounding.
3. Encourage Professional Help
You don’t have to be the solution—you just need to guide them toward support. Encourage them to reach out to a therapist, doctor, or counselor. Offer to help look up resources, make a call, or even sit with them while they do.
4. Stay Connected
Isolation can make mental health challenges feel even heavier. Check in regularly with a call, text, or visit. Small reminders that they matter and are not alone can make a huge difference.
5. Know the Warning Signs
Some signs that someone might be struggling with thoughts of suicide include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
If you notice these signs, take them seriously.
6. Share Crisis Resources
In urgent situations, remind your loved one that immediate help is available:
- Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- If they are in immediate danger, call 911
- The Depression Project: The Depression Project was started to help people with depression better understand what they’re going through, and feel less isolated, alone and misunderstood as well as help people who’ve never experienced depression before to better understand the illness, and know how to support their loved ones through it.
- The Trevor Project: Specializing in crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for support tailored to their unique needs.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers free support groups, educational programs, and information. Visit nami.org for more.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Provides education, advocacy, and support. Visit afsp.org for more resources.
You Are Not Alone
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, but remember—you don’t have to do it alone. At TherapyWorks, we’re here to walk alongside individuals and families with care, compassion, and trusted support.
At TherapyWorks, we’re on a mission to help people when it matters most – because when you feel better, you live better.
Since 2009, everything we do is in support of our community and people like you. With three convenient locations in Downtown Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, and Capitola, TherapyWorks is your local counseling practice for trusted mental healthcare – We live here. We work here. We help here.
As a company that cares, we’re committed to therapy that works – for kids, teens, and adults. Whether you’re facing everyday emotions, overwhelming stress, or life’s unexpected – you’re in the right place. Through clinical best practices and proven expertise, our therapists are dedicated to professional excellence and confident care.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Help is available, healing is possible, and hope is real.
If someone you love is ready for help, we’re here.
• Visit mytherapyworks.com/schedule
• Call us at 408-508-6789 or 831-525-5000
• Email hello@mytherapyworks.com