Suicide Awareness Month: Shining a Light on Prevention and Hope

Charlene Bekker
Sep 4
11 min read

Every year in September, the world observes Suicide Awareness Month - a dedicated time to raise awareness about suicide prevention, promote hope, and encourage people to seek help.

Image : Facebook Suicide Prevention Foundation

Suicide is often a stigmatized and silent issue, yet it affects millions of individuals, families, and communities globally. By breaking the silence and fostering open conversations, Suicide Awareness Month aims to save lives through understanding, compassion, and action.

What is Suicide Awareness Month and Why Does It Matter?

Suicide Awareness Month (also known as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month) is a month-long global campaign each September. It is designed to educate the public about suicide as a public health issue, reduce the stigma around mental illness, and most importantly, to honour the lives lost and support those who may be struggling.

During this month, advocacy organisations, healthcare providers, and communities organise events and outreach programs to spread the message that suicide is preventable and help is available.

Notably, September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, observed internationally to galvanize worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. On this day and throughout the month, people around the globe join in solidarity, remembering those lost to suicide and supporting those at risk.

Governments and health agencies use this time to highlight new prevention strategies and resources. For example, the United Nations and World Health Organization have recognized suicide prevention as a top priority, even including the reduction of suicide rates as an indicator in the Sustainable Development Goals.

In short, Suicide Awareness Month matters because it focuses collective attention on a tragic issue that is often hidden, reminding us that we all have a role in preventing suicide.

The Purple and Turquoise Ribbon: A Symbol of Hope

The purple-and-turquoise suicide prevention ribbon (depicted above) has become the defining symbol of Suicide Awareness Month. This two-tone ribbon carries deep meaning: purple represents the fight against suicide and honors the pain of those left behind, while teal (turquoise) signifies mental health awareness and the importance of addressing mental health issues as part of suicide prevention.

By wearing or displaying this ribbon, people signal their support and help spark conversations that can break down stigma. The ribbon’s colors also symbolize hope and healing, a visual reminder that help is available and suicide can be prevented.

During September, you may see communities turn landmarks purple and teal or individuals pin these ribbons to their shirts, all to show those struggling that they are not alone and to encourage everyone to speak up about mental health.

Why Suicide Prevention Is a Critical Public Health Issue

Suicide is not just a personal or family tragedy , it is a critical public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year. This means on average someone is lost to suicide every 40 seconds, a startling statistic that outpaces deaths from war and homicide combined.

For each death, there are many more people who attempt suicide or suffer intense suicidal thoughts. The ripple effect of each suicide impacts countless others, families grieving loved ones, friends and colleagues left with unanswered questions, and communities coping with the loss.

Importantly, suicide often strikes the young. In 2021, it was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, robbing societies of young potential. In South Africa, the crisis is also acute: with an estimated 23.5 suicides per 100,000 people (about 14,000 deaths per year), South Africa has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa.

Suicide is reportedly the fourth leading cause of death among South African youth aged 15–24. These numbers underline why prevention is paramount. Every suicide is one too many, especially because suicide is often preventable with timely intervention, support, and treatment.

Public health experts emphasize that suicide prevention requires the same urgency and resources as tackling any other leading cause of death. Beyond the raw numbers, there is a human urgency: people in suicidal crisis are often experiencing treatable mental health conditions or overwhelming stress.

By recognizing suicide as a public health issue, societies can mobilize resources for mental healthcare, community support programs, and research to identify effective prevention strategies. Ultimately, shining a spotlight on suicide prevention during this awareness month helps drive home the message that suicide can be prevented with collective effort , it is everyone’s business to help save lives.

Key Risk Factors for Suicide

While there is no single cause of suicide, researchers have identified several key risk factors that can increase an individual’s vulnerability. These include:

Mental health disorders: Depression (often undiagnosed or untreated), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric illnesses are strongly linked to suicide risk. Substance abuse problems can also heighten risk, as alcohol or drug use can worsen mood and impulsivity.

Previous suicide attempt or family history: A prior suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors , it indicates severe distress that might recur. Having a family member who died by suicide can also increase risk, possibly due to genetic or environmental influences.

Chronic pain or serious medical conditions: Living with unrelenting pain or a debilitating illness can lead to hopelessness. Physical health conditions (including traumatic brain injury) have been associated with elevated suicide risk.

Prolonged stress and life crises: Stressful life events or chronic adversity can push people to the brink. This might include prolonged unemployment, financial crisis, the end of a relationship or divorce, academic or work failure, or legal troubles. Experiences of trauma, abuse, or neglect, especially in childhood ,are also significant risk factors.

Social isolation and discrimination: Loneliness or lack of social support can worsen mental health and increase suicide risk. Being subjected to discrimination or stigma (for example, due to sexual orientation, race, or other factors) can compound feelings of despair.

Access to lethal means: Having easy access to means of self-harm (such as firearms, certain medications, or pesticides) can make impulsive suicide attempts more deadly. Limiting access to these means is known to significantly reduce suicide rates.

It’s important to remember that risk factors are not destiny , many people with these risk factors do not attempt suicide. Rather, these factors serve as warning flags indicating that someone might be struggling and in need of extra support or intervention.

Warning Signs: Recognizing When Someone Needs Help

Understanding warning signs of suicide can be life-saving. These signs are signals that someone may be in acute crisis or considering harming themselves. Key warning signs to watch for include:

Talk: The person talks about death or suicide for instance, saying things like “I wish I were dead,” “I want to end it all,” or expressing unbearable guilt or shame. They might talk about feeling like a burden to others or having no reason to live.

Emotions: The person’s feelings or mood change dramatically. They may appear hopeless, empty, or trapped, like there’s no way out of their problems. Some exhibit extreme sadness or unbearable emotional pain, increased anxiety or agitation, or even unexpected rage. In some cases, a severely depressed person might suddenly seem calm or relieved if they have decided on a suicide plan, this sudden mood improvement can also be a warning sign.

Behavior: The person starts behaving in dangerous or withdrawal-oriented ways. They might begin researching or planning suicide methods. You may notice withdrawal from friends and activities, or them giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye as if preparing for death. Reckless behaviors , driving too fast, excessive risk-taking , or a major change in sleeping and eating patterns can also be red flags. Increased use of alcohol or drugs is another warning sign, especially if it’s out of character.

If you observe one or more of these warning signs in someone (or in yourself), take it seriously and act quickly. Don’t dismiss it as a passing phase, especially if the behavior or statements are new or have intensified. It’s okay to directly ask someone you’re worried about whether they are thinking of suicide , this can open the door to getting help. The simple act of showing care and asking about their feelings can be a powerful first step toward safety.

How to Prevent Suicide: Strategies for Individuals and Communities

Suicide is preventable. There are many strategies that individuals, communities, and society as a whole can use to reduce the risk of suicide and support those in crisis:

Encourage open conversations and reduce stigma: One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is shame or fear. We can all help by creating an environment where talking about mental health and suicidal feelings is met with understanding, not judgment. Listen with empathy if someone confides their pain. Let them know they are not alone and that you care. Normalizing help-seeking , making it as okay to get mental health support as it is to see a doctor for a physical illness , is crucial.

Learn the warning signs and be ready to act: As discussed above, knowing what to look for enables us to intervene. If a friend or family member shows warning signs, don’t wait. Reach out to them , express concern and offer to help. Sometimes just asking “Are you okay? You seem really down” can start a lifesaving conversation. If someone admits they are considering suicide, stay with them (or ensure they are not left alone) and seek professional help immediately (such as calling a crisis line or emergency services). Removing or securing any lethal means in the vicinity (like firearms, pills, sharp objects) is also an important immediate step to keep the person safe.

Connect to professional help: Encourage the person to speak with a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor) as soon as possible. You might offer to help them make the appointment or accompany them. Therapy, medication, or a combination of treatments can effectively reduce suicidal thoughts for many people. If it’s an acute crisis, contacting emergency psychiatric services or taking the person to an emergency room may be necessary. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness , a message we should reinforce in our communities.

Foster protective factors: Just as there are risk factors, there are also protective factors that guard against suicide. These include strong personal relationships, a sense of connection to community or faith, healthy coping skills, and access to mental health care. Communities can cultivate protective factors by running support groups, mentoring programs, or peer counseling, so that people (especially youth and vulnerable groups) feel supported and heard. Schools and workplaces can offer wellness programs and education on coping with stress, so that individuals build resilience long before a crisis hits.

Community training and gatekeeper programs:
Many communities implement “gatekeeper” training, educating teachers, coaches, police officers, faith leaders, and others in how to identify suicidal behavior and connect someone to help. For example, teaching school staff to spot severe bullying or depressive symptoms in students and intervene can prevent tragedies. Mental Health First Aid courses are increasingly available to train ordinary people in how to support someone in mental distress or crisis. In regions with few mental health professionals, training community members is especially vital.

Media and social media responsibility: The media plays a role in prevention as well. Responsible reporting on suicide (avoiding graphic details or glamorization, and always providing information on help resources) can reduce the risk of “copycat” incidents. Social media platforms now often flag posts suggesting self-harm and direct users to crisis resources. Each of us can also share helpful information and positive messages on social networks during Suicide Awareness Month, spreading hope and knowledge.

The Role of Organizations in Suicide Prevention

Non-profit organizations and community initiatives are at the heart of Suicide Awareness Month, turning compassion into concrete action. One example is the Suicide Prevention Foundation (SPF), whose mission is to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, and support.

Their motto, “Suicide is not an option , hope is real and change is possible,” encapsulates the compassionate message they bring to communities.

The Suicide Prevention Foundation emphasizes a comprehensive approach, engaging in school outreach, community programs, media campaigns, and research as part of its mission to save lives. Organizations like SPF deploy teams to schools to teach students about mental health and coping skills, and to community centers to hold workshops for the public.

They run social media campaigns and partner with local radio and TV (for example, talk shows on popular FM stations) to get the word out that help is available. Through organizational outreach, they work with employers to address workplace stress and with faith groups to encourage open dialogue.

Many also host symposiums and conferences where experts, survivors, and community members share knowledge and research on suicide prevention. This multi-faceted approach helps raise awareness at all levels of society.

Crucially, such organizations provide training for volunteers and “gatekeepers,” conduct outreach in underserved areas, and collaborate with researchers to better understand suicide in specific communities. Their work demonstrates the power of grassroots action: when communities unite to say “no” to suicide and offer hope, lives can be saved.

In South Africa, organizations and community efforts are making a difference even in rural and marginalized areas. For instance, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has brought depression awareness and suicide prevention programs to remote parts of the country, including communities in the North West province that previously had little access to mental health resources.

By establishing support groups and educating local leaders about warning signs, these programs have given people in North West’s towns and villages tools to help those at risk. The lesson is clear: everyone can contribute , whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading messages of hope during Suicide Awareness Month and beyond.

Getting Help: South African Resources (with Focus on North West)

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, help is available right now. In South Africa, there are 24/7 crisis lines and support services that you can reach out to from anywhere (including the North West province):

SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567 (toll-free, 24/7). You can also SMS 31393 for assistance. This helpline, run by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, offers free counseling, guidance, and referrals to mental health resources.

LifeLine South Africa – National Crisis Line: 0861 322 322 (24/7). LifeLine provides confidential telephone counseling for anyone in distress. They also have centers in regions like Rustenburg and Mafikeng (Mahikeng) in North West for face-to-face support, but the national line will connect you to help wherever you are.

Cipla 24-hour Mental Health Helpline:
0800 456 789 (toll-free). Another 24-hour line in partnership with SADAG, which you can call for support with depression, anxiety, or suicidal feelings.

Emergency Services: If a suicide attempt is imminent or has occurred, treat it as a medical emergency , call 10111 (police) or 10177 (ambulance) in South Africa for immediate assistance. Emergency responders in the North West province are trained to handle crises and can transport individuals to the nearest hospital.

In addition to phone helplines, consider reaching out to local healthcare facilities in the North West. Hospitals and clinics in the province (for example, in cities like Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, or Klerksdorp) have mental health professionals who can provide urgent care.

The North West Mental Health Society in Potchefstroom (contact: 018 297 5270) is another resource, focused on connecting people with services in the province.

Finally, remember the power of personal support networks. If you’re struggling, talk to someone you trust, a friend, family member, teacher, or elder. Sometimes just telling another person what you’re feeling can bring immense relief and help you find a path forward.

And if someone trusts you with their painful feelings, stay with them and help them get support. You do not have to have all the answers; simply accompanying them to a counselor or calling a hotline together can be life-saving.

A Message of Compassion and Hope

Suicide Awareness Month carries a vital message: no one struggling with suicidal thoughts is alone, and there is always hope. Suicidal feelings can be overcome ,with time, with support, and with proper care, people do recover and find meaning in life again.

If you find yourself in a dark place, please know that there are people who care about you, professionals who want to help you, and communities that are working to make sure “hope is real and change is possible.”

This September and beyond, let’s all strive to be kinder and more attentive to one another. A simple gesture , a listening ear, a thoughtful message, wearing a purple-and-turquoise ribbon, might make all the difference to someone silently suffering.

By staying informed, being compassionate, and coming together as a society, we can prevent suicide. Every life matters, and with collective action during Suicide Awareness Month, we affirm that “suicide is not an option” ,there is always another path, and help is always available.

If you or someone you know needs help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the 24/7 helplines in South Africa (call 0800 567 567 or 0861 322 322). In an emergency, contact local authorities immediately. You are not alone, and there is hope.

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