September is Suicide Prevention Month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference

Each September, New Hampshire recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time in New Hampshire.

Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, or background. While they may be common, they should never be seen as normal. More often than not, they signal deep emotional pain or an underlying concern that deserves understanding, compassion, and professional support.

Yet, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. We agree that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we work to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide, recognize warning signs, and seek help without fear or shame. 

Why This Month Matters

Individual Impact

  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults (5%) experience serious thoughts of suicide each year.

  • While more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide.

Community Impact

Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide among U.S. adults, by demographic group:

  • Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 18%

  • Non-Hispanic Multiracial: 12%

  • Female: 5.5%*

  • Non-Hispanic White: 5%

  • Hispanic or Latino: 5%

  • Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native: 4.7%

  • Male: 4.5%*

  • Non-Hispanic Asian: 4.2%

  • Non-Hispanic Black: 4%

  • Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander: 2.6%

Among U.S. youth populations:

  • LGBTQ+ high school students: 41%

  • LGBTQ+ young people ages 13–24: 39%

  • High school students overall: 20%

  • Young adults ages 18–25: 12.2%

*Indicates sex assigned at birth
Data sources: CDC, SAMHSA, and other select references

These numbers show the profound reach of suicidal thoughts across communities — but they also highlight how important it is to meet people where they are with compassion, support, and connection.

This September: Start a Conversation

Our theme this year is simple but powerful: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference.

Asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: no one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And sometimes, it only takes one caring person to make all the difference.

Tools to Help You Get Started

To support partners, and advocates across the country, NAMI created a Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/NAMI-Suicide-Prevention-Month-Toolkit-2025.pdf Inside, you’ll find:

  • Sample social media captions and graphics to help spread awareness

  • Resources for starting conversations about suicide prevention

  • Information about how and where to seek help

Throughout this month — and beyond — we invite you to share these messages or create your own. Because talking about suicide isn’t harmful. Silence is.

A Note from the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention

While the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention fully supports NAMI in this effort, we are saddened that NAMI does not recognize physician-assisted suicide as a form of suicide. We believe all conversations about suicide prevention must acknowledge the full spectrum of experiences, especially those at the intersection of end-of-life care and mental health.

Together, We Can Save Lives

One honest conversation can be a turning point in someone’s life. Together, by raising awareness, offering support, and breaking the silence, we can build communities where no one has to face suicidal thoughts alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

NewsNH Coalition for Suicide PreventionSuicide Prevention Month, NAMI