Suicide Awareness Month: September 2025

I interned with a local non-profit called Six Feet Over (SFO) that provides community support through education about suicide prevention/outreach and also does suicide postvention (helping suicide loss survivors). I learned a lot about what I didn’t know about suicide working with them.

It started in my interview, when they asked if I had any personal experience with suicide? My reply was that I knew folks that attempted, but no one that was successful in their attempt. Right away (and with great compassion) they let me know that successful is not a word that is used when talking about suicide. They also asked me who my favorite Muppet was, which was truly the hardest question they asked me (How do you choose?). At the end of my interview when they asked what I thought I would like to get out of working with them, my answer was that I was already getting it in the gentle correction they made. I wanted to get a better depth of understanding and ability to talk about suicide without causing harm and that was my experience (and more) working with SFO. The invitation to be present to language around suicide was only the beginning. I am beyond grateful for my time with Six Feet Over. 

How do you talk about suicide?

There are a lot of ways that people have spoken about suicide in the past that are outdated and harmful, but have been used for so long that many don’t see the impact. My experience using the word successful during my interview is a good example. Another common phrase that was commonly used is saying that someone committed suicide. The word committed alludes to criminality or sin, adding to the stigma around suicide. Saying that someone “died by suicide”, or that they “took their own life” is straightforward and minimizes the stigma. How we talk about suicide informs how safe people feel asking for help and how suicide loss survivors are able to talk about the people they lost.

What do you believe about suicide?

Not talking honestly and openly about suicide means a lack of  understanding about suicide. The shame and stigma that sometimes surrounds beliefs about suicide can be rooted to cultural and religious doctrines that claims that suicide is immoral. Until very recently, suicide was also considered a criminal offense. Mental illness has its own stigma and as many link the two, it can add to the taboo. It is important to examine what we believe and if those beliefs keep us from normalizing having conversations about suicide.

What are some common myths about suicide?

• Myth: Talking about suicide will give someone ideas or plant a seed that encourages a person to attempt suicide. 
  • Fact: Talking about suicide normalizes talking about it and challenges the stigma around suicide. Asking someone if they are thinking about killing themselves (without judgement) actually opens the door to having hard conversations and lets them know they can ask for help.  
• Myth: Suicide only effects people with mental illness.
  • Fact: Mental illness can be a contributing factor for many folks that have suicidal thoughts AND it can also be because being human can be fucking hard- Life stressors are normal for EVERYONE. A sudden loss, trauma, devastating illness, relationship issues, rejection (to name a few) are all normal and sometimes culminate to a sense of overwhelm that feels unmanageable. 
• Myth: If a person is set on killing themselves, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. They will find a way.
  • Fact: Most people don’t want to die, but want an end to suffering. Many people are able to get through a crisis if they get the help they need. Eliminating access to lethal means is also important to address, as it reduces the possibility that a person will attempt suicide when they are in crisis.

How can the media influence suicide?

The media has an ethical responsibility when reporting about suicide because it influences how we talk about suicide and is shown to impact folks that are at risk. The media's primary goal should be on providing mental health support & resources for folks and focus on stories of hope and recovery. Using language that doesn’t stigmatize suicide is important. Talking about the location, means and speculating about the person who has died can be harmful, as folks that are at risk may identify with them. It is easy to think of the media as an entity outside of ourselves, but with social media we all have the responsibility of being ethical reporters when we talk about suicide on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.

Some risk factors & protective factors around suicide

• Risk Factors: Mental health conditions, Access to lethal means, Stressful life events, Exposure to suicide, History of trauma, Isolation, discrimination (racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, etc).
• Protective Factors: Access to mental health care, Community support/feeling connected to family & friends, Limited access to lethal means, Being in accepting environments that encourage help-seeking.

What are some warning signs associated with suicide?

Some of the warning signs associated with suicide are more overt, like someone talking openly about wanting to die, that they are feeling pain, hopelessness, trapped or that they are a burden on others. You may notice someone isolating more, withdrawing from social activities and/or increasing use of substances. People may start giving away prized possessions and reaching out to say goodbyes. A suicidal person may display a shift in moods: depression, irritability, aggression, anxiety and loss of interest. Mood is a bit more challenging to distinguish, as many people learn to mask their inner experience, appearing “fine” to the people they engage with. A sudden improvement in mood can sometimes be mistaken as a sign that someone is out of the woods, when actually this could be sign that the suicidal person is feeling relief or lighter because they have made a plan and see the end of their suffering soon. 

You Deserve Support—Reach Out Today

If this post resonated, know that no one truly has to walk through difficult times alone. At Being Human Group, our team celebrates every identity and life story, embracing the messy, beautiful reality of being human. Whether the struggle is quiet or keeps you up at night, affirming, stigma-free therapy is available in Michigan—both in person and online.

Maybe this is your first step toward support. Maybe it’s your hundredth. Either way, our therapists meet you exactly where you are, especially if you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community or carry the weight of trauma, anxiety, or isolation. As one client reflected: “I finally feel seen here for who I am, not just the pain I’ve carried.” 

If you’re ready to start your journey—at your pace—connect with our team of Michigan therapists today for a compassionate, free consult. Your story matters. Healing is possible. As Audre Lorde reminds us, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” Brave steps forward are always welcome here.

Where to find mental health support?

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 

• Website: 988lifeline.org
• Call: 988
• Text: 988

The Trevor Project:

• Website: thetrevorproject.org
• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Chat: Text “START” to 678-678

Support for suicide loss survivors:

• Six Feet Over sixftover.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Support Groups afsp.org

About the Author: Angelique Sanchez

Angelique Sanchez is a Certified Trauma Touch Therapy Practitioner and MSW intern at Being Human Group, where she specializes in supporting clients through life transitions, trauma, and grief—with a deep commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirmation and body positivity. As someone who believes every story matters, Angelique’s approach is rooted in presence, compassion, and empowerment, helping people embrace their authentic selves. She integrates somatic modalities, anti-diet advocacy, and creative practices for holistic healing, and draws on her experience with suicide prevention outreach and neurodiversity to craft deeply affirming spaces for all identities—especially those often marginalized by traditional care. 

Beyond the therapy room, Angelique is an avid reader, artist, and nature enthusiast who celebrates play, creativity, and connection as vital aspects of the healing journey. Her warmth and openness inspire clients to take brave steps and recognize their own expertise in navigating life’s challenges.