September is Suicide Prevention Month - Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services

If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.

Each September, communities across the nation recognize Suicide Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding suicide, raising awareness about the warning signs, and connecting individuals with resources that can save lives.

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On September 10th, the world comes together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day, a global effort to highlight that suicide is preventable and support is available.

At Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services (MICS), we are committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities who are impacted by suicide. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps people find healing and hope.

Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year. Behind these numbers are individuals—friends, siblings, children, parents—whose absence leaves an immeasurable impact on families and communities.

Suicide Prevention Month matters because it provides an opportunity to:

Raise awareness about the prevalence of suicide.
Break down stigma around mental health and asking for help.
Educate communities about warning signs and risk factors.
Share resources and support systems available to those in need.

By talking about suicide openly and compassionately, we take important steps toward prevention.

Understanding World Suicide Prevention Day

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World Suicide Prevention Day, recognized annually on September 10, is led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The goal is to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and promote evidence-based actions that reduce suicide worldwide.

The day is a reminder that suicide prevention requires collective effort. Families, communities, healthcare providers, educators, and organizations all play a role in creating environments where people feel safe, supported, and understood.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

Awareness is one of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention. Recognizing the warning signs can help family members, friends, and professionals intervene early. Some common warning signs include:

Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness.
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed.
Major changes in mood, such as sudden calmness after deep despair.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Giving away personal possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways.
Risk-taking behaviors, such as reckless driving.

While not every individual will show obvious signs, being attentive and compassionate when someone is struggling can make a life-saving difference.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Suicide is complex, and no single cause explains it. Instead, it often results from a combination of factors. Common risk factors include:

A history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Experiences of trauma, abuse, or significant loss.
Chronic illness or long-term pain.
Substance use disorders.
Social isolation or lack of support systems.
Access to lethal means, such as firearms or medications.

Understanding these risk factors helps communities and professionals provide the right kind of support before a crisis occurs.

How Therapy Can Help Prevent Suicide

Professional mental health support plays a critical role in suicide prevention. Therapy provides individuals with tools to manage overwhelming thoughts, regulate emotions, and build resilience.

At MICS, our team of licensed therapists uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help individuals work through the underlying causes of suicidal thoughts.

Therapy creates a safe, confidential space where individuals can express feelings they may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, clients learn healthier coping strategies, find hope, and regain a sense of purpose.

Supporting Loved Ones Who May Be Struggling

If you are concerned that someone in your life may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, reaching out can save a life. Here are some steps to take:

Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Research shows that asking does not increase risk—it opens the door for honest conversation.
Listen without judgment and show empathy. Avoid minimizing their feelings or trying to “fix” them quickly.
Encourage them to seek professional support. Offer to help them make an appointment or accompany them.
Remove access to lethal means if possible.
Stay connected. Regular check-ins provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation.

Sometimes, being a compassionate listener and ally can make a critical difference.

Community and Group Support

In addition to individual therapy, group therapy and support groups provide meaningful connection for individuals who feel alone in their struggles. MICS offers several group options, including grief support, anxiety and stress management groups, and teen support groups.

These groups create safe spaces where individuals can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and feel less isolated. Supportive communities are a vital part of suicide prevention.

The Role of Medication Management

For some individuals, therapy alone is not enough. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or mood disorders may require a combination of therapy and medication.

At MICS, we collaborate with licensed prescribers who provide medication management when appropriate. This integrated approach ensures clients receive well-rounded care tailored to their unique needs.

How Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services Supports Suicide Prevention

Our team at MICS is dedicated to reducing the stigma of mental health and providing accessible, high-quality care. With offices in Manasquan and Brick, NJ, and statewide telehealth options, we make therapy available to individuals across New Jersey.

We specialize in treating conditions closely tied to suicide risk, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. By combining evidence-based therapies with compassionate, personalized treatment, we help clients heal and rediscover hope.

Taking the Next Step

Suicide is preventable, and no one has to face the weight of these struggles alone. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, worried about a loved one, or seeking to better understand mental health, support is available.

If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support.