5 Steps to Save a Life
Suicide Prevention Month
3 Minute Read
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, share resources, and remind one another that hope and help are always available. Suicide is complex, but it is preventable. Knowing the warning signs, how to respond, and when to reach out for help can save lives.
When someone you care about talks about suicide, it can be upsetting and frightening. You may wonder whether to take it seriously or worry that bringing it up could make things worse. The truth is that taking action is always the best choice. Asking direct but compassionate questions such as “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Do you ever feel like giving up?” does not put the idea in someone’s head. In fact, research shows that giving someone space to talk about their feelings may actually reduce the risk of acting on those thoughts.
Warning Signs of Suicide
If you’re concerned about someone you love, these are the primary warning signs you should look for:
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
• Mood swings or sudden personality changes
• Giving away belongings or putting affairs in order
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior (reckless driving, heavy drug use, etc.)
• Talking or writing about death or violence
• Talking about wanting to die or wishing they were dead
These warning signs may indicate that someone is struggling and needs help right away. If you’re searching for suicide prevention resources in Washington, Arizona, Minnesota, or Vancouver, WA, local support is available in addition to the national lifeline.
5 Steps You Can Take to Help Someone in Crisis Now
The #BeThe1To campaign created by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline highlights five important steps anyone can take:
1. Ask: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not increase risk. It opens the door to conversation.
2. Be There: Listen without judgment and show that you care.
3. Help Keep Them Safe: Ask if they have a plan and limit access to harmful items.
4. Help Them Connect: Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or connect them with a trusted family member, friend, or mental health professional.
5. Follow Up: Reach out in the days and weeks after a crisis. Ongoing support can make a life-saving difference.
What to Do If Someone Is Suicidal and in Immediate Danger
• Do not leave them alone
• Call 911 or your local emergency number right away
• Take them to the nearest emergency department if safe
• Remove dangerous items such as weapons or excess medications
• Encourage professional help – they may need hospitalization until the crisis passes
For urgent emotional support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, free, and confidential. Veterans and service members can press “1” after dialing 988 or text 838255. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454. Teens who are concerned about a friend should speak to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.
Addressing the Root Cause
Depression and TMS Therapy
While suicide prevention often focuses on crisis response, it’s equally important to treat the underlying causes. Depression is one of the leading risk factors for suicide, and effective treatments are available.
For those who haven’t found relief with medications or therapy, TMS Therapy may be an option. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is FDA-approved, non-invasive, and uses gentle magnetic pulses to target areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Many people living in Washington, Arizona, and Minnesota have already turned to TMS to find relief when traditional treatments have failed.
If you’re searching for TMS Therapy near me, our sixteen (16) clinics — including Vancouver, Federal Way, Bellevue, Lakewood, Spokane, and Tri-Cities — as well as in Arizona and Minnesota, provide expert care. Our experienced team has helped countless patients find new hope through this innovative treatment.
You Are Not Alone
This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to looking out for one another, asking the hard questions, and connecting those in pain with life-saving resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 today. If depression has made life feel unbearable, reach out to our team to learn more about TMS Therapy in Washington, Arizona, Minnesota, and Vancouver, WA.
Relief is possible, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
Learn more about how NeuroStim TMS can support your recovery. Reach out today to schedule your Free TMS Therapy Phone Consultation.