September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month—a time to come together, reflect, and take action. Suicide affects individuals and families across every age group, but older adults are especially at risk due to isolation, loss, and untreated mental health conditions.

Understanding the Risk Factors:
• Social Isolation: Lack of companionship can lead to deep emotional distress.
• Chronic Illness or Pain: Ongoing physical health issues often affect emotional well-being.
• Major Life Transitions: Retirement, grief, or loss of independence can be emotionally overwhelming.
• Depression and Anxiety: Often underdiagnosed in older adults but highly treatable.

Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Let’s use this month to learn more and stay connected to those who may need support.

Knowing when someone might need help can be the key to saving a life. Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month reminds us that early recognition and compassionate responses matter.

Look for These Warning Signs:
• Expressions of Hopelessness: Saying things like “I have nothing to live for.”
• Loss of Interest: Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities or relationships.
• Unusual Behavior: Giving away possessions, neglecting personal care, or acting out of character.
• Verbal Cues: Talking about feeling like a burden or wanting to escape.

If you notice these signs, don’t stay silent. Gently ask how the person is feeling and encourage them to talk with a professional. You don’t need to have all the answers—just being there makes a difference.

Thank you for helping build a more compassionate, informed community.

Scotland County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions helps older adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts. Participants in our outpatient program meet up to three times a week for life-changing group therapy. Our program also includes psychiatry and individual therapy. Participants sustain lasting recovery and symptom reduction after completing the program.

Helpful resources:

• Scotland County Hospital Senior Life Solutions, 660-465-7595
• The National Council for Mental Wellbeing,thenationalcouncil.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness,nami.org
• Mental Health America,mhanational.org
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,samhsa.gov

Also, please check out our booth, which is located across from outpatient registration.

Warm regards,

Tonya Small RN, Program Director and Kaci Cantil Office and Patient Coordinator