Hope in North Dakota: Suicide Prevention Month Reminds Us No One Faces Struggles Alone

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when North Dakota and the entire nation come together to raise awareness about mental health, highlight resources available for those in crisis, and remind communities that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and prevention efforts rely on both understanding the warning signs and knowing where to find help.

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Recognizing the Warning Signs

Suicide can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Learning to recognize the signs that someone may be struggling is one of the first steps in prevention. Some common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless

• Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities

• Extreme mood swings or noticeable changes in behavior

• Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways

• Increase in alcohol or drug use

• Expressing unbearable emotional or physical pain

It’s important to take these signs seriously. Even if someone doesn’t directly mention suicide, changes in mood, behavior, or daily functioning can be indicators that they need support.

Help is Available

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides several ways for individuals and families to find help and hope.

1) The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, dialing 988 connects you with trained counselors available 24/7. Whether you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, concerns about alcohol or drug use, or simply need someone to talk to, help is only three numbers away. The lifeline is confidential, free, and available nationwide.

2) Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator
For individuals experiencing the first signs of serious mental illness—such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder—early intervention is critical. SAMHSA’s Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator helps families and individuals find treatment facilities across the U.S. These programs offer evidence-based services including medication, therapy, family and peer support, and assistance with education and employment. Early treatment can greatly improve long-term outcomes and help individuals live full and productive lives.

Read More: Coffee With A Cop Brings Community Closer This Month

3) Finding Support Through Trusted Connections
Sometimes the best way to begin seeking help is by asking someone you trust for a recommendation. A doctor, social worker, family member, or friend may know health care professionals or programs that fit your needs. When searching for care, look for programs that accept your insurance or offer low-cost options, are currently accepting new patients, and match qualities that are important to you—such as cultural background, language, or faith. Building a trusting relationship with a provider may take time, but the journey is worth it.

A Community Responsibility

Suicide prevention is not just an individual effort—it’s a community one. By checking in on friends, family, and neighbors, and by sharing resources like the 988 Lifeline, North Dakotans can continue building a network of care that saves lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: you are not alone. Help is available, hope is possible, and healing can begin today.