world suicide prevention month

This September, we join communities around the world in recognizing Suicide Prevention Month, World Suicide Prevention Day, and National Suicide Prevention Week. These observances are more than moments on the calendar; they are opportunities to honor those we've lost, uplift those who are struggling, and reaffirm our shared commitment to preventing suicide through compassion, understanding, and support. 

At the heart of this work are our employees, the people who show up each day with empathy, resilience, and purpose. Many of them carry their own stories, experiences, and emotional weight, yet continue to offer support to clients and communities in need. We know the journey toward mental wellness can be difficult and often isolating. Too often, struggles go unseen or unspoken. That’s why this month of acknowledgment is so vital. It’s a time to learn, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share meaningful resources that offer hope; and it's a time to say clearly and compassionately: You are not alone. 

We are committed to creating a culture that embraces strength in vulnerability, dignity in struggle, hope in despair, and purpose in our collective care for one another. We also recognize that access to behavioral health care is not equitable for all. Marginalized communities continue to face disproportionate challenges, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to culturally responsive, affirming care for both clients and employees.  

To our employees - We see the emotional depth of your work, and we honor it. Whether you've supported someone through a crisis or faced your own, your presence and compassion matter. If you are struggling or if someone you know needs help, please know there is support available. 

As we move forward together, may we continue to lead with heart, hold space for healing, and build a future where no one suffers in silence. 

2025 Statistics:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the state of Washington for youth 10-24 years old, and the third leading cause of death nationally. 

• There were nearly twice as many suicides as homicides among youth ages 10–24. 

• In Washington State and nationally, whites accounted for the highest total number of suicides, while Native Americans accounted for the highest rates of suicide. 

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide shows concerning disparities across different demographics: 

  • Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4% 

  • Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2% 

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5% 

  • Young adults aged 18-25: 13% 

  • High school students: 22% 

  • LGBTQ2IA+ youth: 45% 

  • In Washington State and nationally, females attempted suicide more frequently, yet males died by suicide more often by a ratio of at least 4:1. 

These figures highlight not just differences between groups, but also how risks intensify when multiple identities intersect. This underscores the need for trauma-informed and equity-centered approaches that respond to overlapping experiences.

Resources:

• Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Crisis Connections offers a drop-in support group twice a month for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 

• Wallet Cards (English and Español): Warning signs and risk assessment related to suicide prevention.  

• Teen Link Booklet (English and Español): Resource guide that was created specifically for teens.  

Support:

• Crisis Connections: The 24-Hour Crisis Line provides immediate assistance to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. They can help you determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and can link you to the appropriate services. They are a primary source for linking Seattle-King County residents to emergency mental health services. You can call 866-427-4747 or 206-461-3222.  

• Teen Link: Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous assistance line for teens. Trained teen volunteers are available to talk with you about any issue of concern. No issue is too big or too small! Call 866-833-6546. 

• 988 - Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. The Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States, for call 988 or chat. 

• Black Mental Health: Lifeline (988lifeline.org): Your mental health is a priority. Wellness among Black communities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. This line has tips and resources to support yourself, a loved one, and other members of the Black community. 

• Crisis Text Line: Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. With over 79 million messages processed to date, they are growing quickly, but so is the need. 

• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people under 25. The TrevorLifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386. TrevorText is available by texting “START” to 678678. 

• Trevor Space: Online international peer-to-peer community for LGBTQ2IA+ young people and their friends. 

• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of transgender lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Fighting the epidemic of transgender suicide and improving overall life outcomes of trans people, the Trans Lifeline facilitates justice-oriented, collective community aid. Their peer support hotline is run by and for trans people. The line is 24/7 - Call 877-565-8860 to speak to someone.