Every year, the month of September is known as Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time when we come together to talk about mental health, raise awareness about suicide, and remind people that help is always available. At the Galynker Family Center for Suicide Prevention, we believe it’s important for everyone, no matter their age, to understand that they are not alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Suicide can be a difficult topic to talk about, but it’s important that we do. Many people struggle with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or stress. Sometimes, these feelings can feel too big to handle. But no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope.

What Is Suicide Crisis Syndrome?

Not all people who are thinking about suicide show obvious signs. That’s why doctors and mental health professionals have started using a new way to understand suicide risk. Suicide Crisis Syndrome is a group of thoughts and feelings that can come before a suicidal crisis, even if the person hasn’t made a plan or said anything out loud.

Suicide Crisis Syndrome includes things like:

• Feeling trapped and thinking there’s no way out

• A sense of feeling broken or like you’ve lost control

• Not being able to stop thinking about something over and over

• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from the world

• A strong belief that something terrible is about to happen

These feelings can be intense, and they often come on quickly. Someone might look okay on the outside, but inside they are in deep pain. That’s why it’s so important to listen carefully when someone says they’re not feeling like themselves, even if they can’t explain why.

Recognizing Suicide Crisis Syndrome can help us reach people before they reach a breaking point.

How We Help at the Galynker Family Center for Suicide Prevention

At the Galynker Family Center for Suicide Prevention, we specialize in identifying Suicide Crisis Syndrome early, so we can help people before a suicide attempt happens. Beginning with detailed evaluations, we work to understand each person’s unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Based on what we learn, we create short-term and long-term treatment plans that may include therapy, medication (if needed), and other forms of support.

We also work closely with families and loved ones, helping them understand what’s happening and how they can support someone in crisis. In addition, we provide training and education for healthcare providers and the public, so more people can recognize the signs of suicide crisis and respond in helpful ways. Our focus is always on helping people in crisis find both healing and hope, because no one should feel ashamed for struggling, and no one should ever feel alone.

Suicide Prevention Every Month of the Year

We are here for those who need us every day of every month of the year. If you’re going through a hard time, please remember: there is help and there is hope. You are not alone. You can reach out to someone you trust or contact the Galynker Family Center for Suicide Prevention to learn how we can help.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can also call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. They’re available 24/7 for anyone in need of their support.

This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s spread the message: help is here, hope is real, and healing is possible.