Encourage Connection and Conversation for Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Piedmont Newnan Hospital is raising awareness and encouraging community members to check in on loved ones, start conversations about mental health and connect individuals in crisis with available resources.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern in the U.S. In 2024, the latest year that national data is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 48,800 people died by suicide. An estimated 2.2 million adults attempted suicide, while 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide.

One common misconception is that suicide risk always looks the same, according to Tin Han, M.D., a primary care physician at Piedmont Physicians at Newnan Professional Center.

“The circumstances and risk factors surrounding suicide do not look the same for everyone,” Dr. Han said. “Suicidal thoughts can present very differently from one person to another.”

Many people also assume that suicidal thoughts are always associated with depression.

“People often assume suicide risk always stems from depression, but that is not necessarily the case,” Dr. Han said. “Other mental health conditions – including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, substance abuse and anxiety – may also increase a person’s risk.”

Warning signs that someone may be struggling include:

• Talk of feeling hopeless, trapped or like they’re a burden to others.
• Withdrawal from family and friends.
• Significant changes in mood or behavior.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Talking or writing about death or suicide.
• Giving away valued possessions or saying goodbye.

Warning signs vary from person to person. One important way to help someone who may be struggling is through genuine human connection.

“If you are concerned that someone may be considering suicide, one of the most important things you can do is be there for them,” Dr. Han said. “Checking in, listening without judgment and helping the person connect with support can make them feel seen, valued and less alone.”

Community members should not be afraid to ask directly and compassionately whether someone is thinking about suicide. According to Dr. Han, stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier that prevents many people from seeking help.

“Mental health is still stigmatized, and many people find it difficult to talk about what they are experiencing,” he said. “We have to continue working together to change that.”

Piedmont Newnan encourages community members to make conversations about mental health a regular part of everyday life, not only during September.

“During September and throughout the year, check in with your friends and loved ones and ask how they are really doing,” Dr. Han said. “The important thing is to listen without judgement and help them connect with support when needed.”

Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service provides free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors.

Additional sources of care include Piedmont primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, and emergency departments when immediate intervention is needed. For more information about behavioral health services, visit Piedmont.org or speak with your healthcare provider.