September is Suicide Prevention Month

How to Help a Friend or Family Member

Recognize the warning signs: Things like withdrawal, hopelessness, mood swings, giving away possessions, or sudden calmness may signal trouble.

Ask directly: Be straightforward—“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”—and ask calmly and without judgment.

Don’t leave them alone: If they express intent or a plan, stay with them and call 911 or take them to the emergency room.

Offer continued support: Help them create a suicide safety plan—document warning signs, coping strategies, contacts, and safe spaces.

Encourage professional support: Help them contact therapists, clergy, or trusted adults if needed.

What a Teen Should Do if Struggling

Talk to someone you trust: A parent, teacher, school counselor, or friend—opening up is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Call or text 988: Always available, and connects you to empathetic, trained counselors in just a few moments.

Use peer support: Programs like Hope Squad—peer-led groups in schools—teach students to recognize warning signs and connect peers with help.

Develop your safety plan: With a trusted adult, outline warning signs, calming activities, reasons to keep going, and emergency contacts.

What an Adult Should Do if Struggling

Reach out for support: You do not have to face difficult feelings alone. Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, therapist, clergy member, or primary care doctor — and be honest about how you’re feeling.

Contact professional help: Call or text 988 at any time to speak with a trained crisis counselor. You can also contact your healthcare provider, a therapist, or a local mental health center for ongoing care.

Avoid isolation: Depression and hopelessness thrive in silence. Make an effort to connect with others — even small steps like attending a support group, visiting a friend, or joining a community activity can help.

Create a safety plan: Write down warning signs, coping strategies that help you feel grounded, reasons to keep going, and a list of people or numbers to contact in a crisis. Keep this list accessible.

Prioritize self-care and medical support: Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and reducing alcohol or substance use can all improve mental health. If needed, speak with a doctor about treatment options, including therapy or medication.

Remember: help works. Millions of people have felt the way you do — and many recover with support, treatment, and time. You are not alone.

What an Adult Should Do to Help

Be present: Truly listen without minimizing their feelings or offering platitudes.

Stay with them in crisis: If there is a plan or imminent danger, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Help them build a safety plan: Include warning signs, self-soothing techniques, reasons for living, trusted contacts, and professional help info.

Support follow-through: Offer to help them make a mental health appointment or reach out to a crisis line together.

Local Resources in and Near Livonia, MI

DWIHN (Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network): Wayne County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition offers community awareness, training, and support.

Hegira Health: Offers a local Crisis Resource Guide; the Livonia location is at 37450 Schoolcraft, Suite 110, Livonia, MI 48150.

National Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Reachable 24/7 by call, text, or chat.

Earlier number still works: Dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) also connects to the Lifeline.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your ZIP code to HELP4U for treatment referrals.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Provides crisis support and educational resources.

AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention): Offers education and local chapter support across Michigan.

Kevin’s Song: Offers support groups for survivors of suicide loss; virtual groups held monthly.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with trained crisis counselors.

LGBTQ+ supports:

• The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
• Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860.

In Summary

September brings awareness—but action matters all year. If someone is struggling, your presence, empathy, and quick response can make all the difference. Build safety plans, share local numbers like (800) 241-4949 for youth crisis in Livonia, and don’t underestimate the power of 988 and local behavioral health partnerships.