September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to come together to honor the lives lost to suicide, uplift those who have faced struggles, and remind one another that help and hope are always within reach. Communities across the country mark this observance with events and advocacy to raise awareness and strengthen support.

This year, Crisis Text Line is observing Suicide Prevention Month with our campaign, Every 43 Seconds, a Life is Gone, which extends through World Mental Health Day on October 10th. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the global suicide crisis emphasizing the devastating reality that every 43 seconds, someone takes their own life– and to highlight how critical resources like Crisis Text Line play in providing lifesaving mental health support and suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, text CONNECT to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor– free, confidential, 24/7, and without judgement.

Suicide Prevention Month: Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Suicide Prevention Month?
2. Why Does Suicide Prevention Matter More Than Ever in 2025?
3. What Are Suicide Prevention Month Colors & Their Meaning?
4. How Can I Take Action This Month?

When is Suicide Prevention Month?

September is national Suicide Prevention month in the United States. This period includes several awareness events and key dates:

• 988 Day: September 8. Celebrates the 988 lifeline, a suicide and mental health crisis service available in the U.S.
• National Suicide Prevention Week: September 8-14. A week to encourage talking about suicide and educating on the warning signs to help prevent suicide.
• World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10. Global day of observance to amplify the need for preventing suicide.
• World Mental Health Day: October 10. Dedicated to global mental health awareness, advocacy, and education. While this day occurs after Suicide Prevention Month, Crisis Text Line has extended observance to include this event as well.

Why Does Suicide Prevention Matter More Than Ever in 2025?

Mental health support and resources for suicide prevention are crucial–now more than ever. Every 43 seconds, someone takes their own life. This global crisis illustrates the urgency and need for awareness, advocacy, and support. Additionally, insights from our Crisis Trends Report further demonstrates the importance of suicide prevention, recognizing the warning signs, and ensuring a lifeline is available. In 2025, the topics discussed in Crisis Text Line conversations includes: 

• 25% of conversations included the topic of suicide
• 23% of conversations included the topic of depression/sadness
• 16% of conversations included the topic of isolation/loneliness

Every day, we show up for people in their darkest moments–so that no one has to carry that weight alone. For those who are struggling, even one text conversation can bring a sense of hope and connection, and even save a life.

We invite you to help us continue the lifesaving conversations we have with those in crisis– 24/7, free, confidential, and without judgement.

What Are Suicide Prevention Month Colors & Their Meaning?

The official colors for Suicide Prevention Month are purple and teal. Purple is in remembrance of the lives lost and represents suicide prevention and the pain felt by those left behind. Teal is for awareness, support, and healing–emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in preventing suicide.

The colors are often combined and utilized as awareness ribbons, in graphics, and for community events to represent a commitment to suicide prevention. We encourage you to show your support as well by wearing or sharing these colors throughout the month.

How Can I Take Action This Month?

There are several ways you can show your support during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Below are some things to do to help get you started:

• Support access to mental health care and crisis intervention by donating to Crisis Text Line. Your help in keeping our service free and accessible 24/7 can help save a life. 
• Spread awareness and amplify your support through creating your own fundraiser. In a few easy steps, you can create and share it with your friends, family, and coworkers!
• Share resources to your story on social media. Follow @crisistextline for suicide prevention awareness posts all month long.
• Start a conversation with someone who might be struggling– a friend, colleague, neighbor, etc.
• Check in on someone you haven’t checked in on in a while. Remember to check in on your “strong” friends, too!
• Research and participate in local events to show support, or wear purple and teal.

No matter how you decide to take action this month, know that you have the ability to make an impact in raising awareness and supporting suicide prevention.

Learn more about our Suicide Awareness Month campaign, Every 43 Seconds, a Life is Gone, and donate today to ensure those who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicide ideation do not face their darkest moments alone.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, text CONNECT to 741741. We are here for anyone in need– free, 24/7, and without judgment.