You Are Not Alone: Suicide Prevention Starts with Connection

Each year, millions of people around the world are affected by suicide. Behind the statistics are real people, such as family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, who are often struggling in silence and possibly wondering what signs they missed. Communities of people can be left wondering, grieving, and searching for answers.

In marginalized communities, such as those communities that consist of BIPOC individuals, grief may be exacerbated, to include stigma, silence, and limited access to culturally-affirming care. It’s crucial to realize that suicide does not only affect the person who dies: it also impacts families, friends, places of work/business, and cultures. This leaves lasting emotional and psychological wounds.

Understanding Suicide: Awareness, Risks, and Warning Signs

In order to prevent suicide, we must begin with awareness. This is not just about recognizing a crisis in the moment, but understanding the things that may put someone at risk, as well as how we can intervene with empathy, connection, and care. When someone feels isolated or hopeless, a genuine conversation or a small act of care can make a big difference. Sometimes, just knowing that someone notices and cares can be the first step toward healing. You don’t have to be a therapist or mental health provider to show you care and pay attention to the signs your loved ones may exhibit. It’s also important to differentiate what we may be witnessing in our loved ones.

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts that one may have regarding death or suicide. These thoughts may range from vague feelings, such as “I don’t want to be here,” to more specific thoughts about dying. Ideation is typically passive, which means that the person has thoughts of death, but no plan or intent to act on them. 

On the contrary, active suicidal behavior involves planning or attempting to take one’s own life. This may include actions, such as writing a suicide note, giving away sentimental belongings, or making preparations for a specific method. Active suicidality is a mental health emergency and requires immediate intervention.

Warning signs can and may include:

• Talking about death, dying, or feeling like a burden

• Withdrawing from loved ones or previously enjoyed activities

• Dramatic mood changes, like becoming extremely calm after a depressive episode

• Increased substance use

• Feelings of hopelessness or expressing no reason to live

  
  

Risk factors can and may include:

• A history of trauma or abuse

• Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety

• Loss of a loved one or relationship

• Cultural stigma around seeking help or mental illness

  
  

Cultural and Generational Barriers to Seeking Help

In many BIPOC communities, seeking help outside of the immediate family is not frequently or swiftly encouraged. This is widely due to cultural values, intergenerational trauma(s), and systemic inequities that have historically made reaching out for support tremendously difficult. Oftentimes, there is a deeper rooted message in this: that therapy is a “weakness,” “not for us,” or that personal and familial challenges should “stay in the house.” Factors, such as religion, family values and expectations, and mistrust in medical systems can be influential barriers that have negatively impacted generations of people from seeking the support they need.

As a mental health professional, I’ve witnessed how truly powerful it can be when a person feels safe, seen, and supported in their own identity. This is why culturally-affirming care is so important. It is paramount for therapists to create spaces where clients don't have to consistently explain their cultural background or fear judgment for their experiences. Furthermore, representation, language, and cultural understanding are not ‘extra’: they are essential for healing and growth. Some ways that therapists can bridge this gap include:

• Validating cultural values while gently challenging stigma

• Offering services in a client’s preferred language (or using interpreters)

• Understanding how racism, generational trauma(s), or immigration stress can impact mental health

• Collaborating with community leaders or spiritual support when appropriate

  
  

How You Can Help:

Remember, you do not have to be a therapist or mental health professional to support someone who is in pain or suffering. A single, genuine and compassionate conversation can be lifesaving.

• Check in: Send a quick text, make a call, or ask someone how they’re really doing.

• Listen without judgment: You don’t need to have all the answers. Just being there matters.

• Know the signs: Withdrawal, hopelessness, sudden mood changes, or talking about death may be warning signs.

• Take concerns seriously: Asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide won’t put the idea in their head, but it might save their life.

  
  

If You’re Struggling:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or alone, please know that support is available. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Call or text 988. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. It’s free and confidential. You can also reach out to our team of therapists at Enrich Therapy Group, where compassionate professionals are here to help.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s remember that you don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. A simple act of connection, whether it be checking in, showing up, or listening, can save a life.

You are not alone…and no one else should be either.