HHSC Observes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September highlights the importance of connecting Texans with lifesaving resources and support.

This month and throughout the year, HHSC encourages Texans to learn the warning signs of suicide, have conversations about behavioral health and seek help when needed. Every connection, conversation and act of support can make a difference.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide (PDF) can help people get support when they need it most. Common warning signs may include talking or writing about suicide, expressing feelings of hopelessness or emptiness, or increasing the use of substances.

For people or loved ones who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and online chat are available 24/7. Contact the lifeline by calling or texting 988.

HHSC helps coordinate free suicide prevention trainings virtually and in person, including:

• AS+K? About Suicide to Save a Life, a three-hour training session covering suicide data, risks and protective factors.
• Suicide Care in Texas, an overview of suicide prevention, intervention and "postvention" support.
• Safety Planning Intervention, a four-hour training session that teaches safety planning for someone at risk of suicide.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid.

Find more information and additional resources on the HHSC Suicide Prevention webpage.