Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is an important time to recognize every life and to remind people that they do not have to face difficult times alone. April Evans, LPC, counselor with Aultman Medical Group Behavioral Health and Counseling Center, shares information on how you can recognize signs of someone struggling and how to offer them support.

Suicide can affect people from all backgrounds. Someone who appears to be successful or happy may still be struggling with overwhelming emotional pain. We can create safer communities by listening without judgment and letting people know that it is OK to ask for help.

One of the most important aspects of suicide prevention is recognizing when someone may be struggling. Indicators of mental health difficulties include:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changing behaviors
• Expressing hopelessness
• Giving away important belongings
• Talking about being a burden

However, it is also important to remember that people may struggle without showing obvious warning signs.

Talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal. In many situations, having a direct and caring conversation can give a person an opportunity to express feelings they may have been keeping inside. Sometimes simply being present, listening carefully and encouraging them to seek professional support can make a meaningful difference.

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month reminds us that hope and connection matter. With appropriate support, understanding and treatment, people can move through periods of crisis and discover reasons to keep going.

This month, we can all take part by learning about suicide prevention, checking on the people around us, listening without judgment and speaking openly about mental health.

As a community, we can challenge harmful stereotypes about mental illness and encourage people to view seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

Every person deserves to feel supported, valued and heard. Every effort to prevent suicide can help create a community where people know they are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call/text 988 to reach the Crisis Lifeline 24/7.