National Suicide Prevention Month takes place throughout September 2026, focusing on mental health awareness, warning signs, and local resources. The School Safety and Crisis Response Team in Counseling and Student Services (CASS) has identified the following focus areas for suicide awareness and education during September and beyond.

• Raising public awareness about mental health and suicide warning signs
• Encouraging open, honest conversations and reducing social stigma
• Promoting early detection and strong community support networks
• Building trusting and safe relationships at home and at school for all students

This year’s overall theme from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent. This year's theme highlights the importance of: 

• Strengthening connections that protect people before a crisis occurs
• Making sure everyone knows where to turn and knows it before they need it
• Building communities where people feel safe reaching out for help
• Supporting recovery and healing long after a crisis has ended

Suicide statistics

Youth suicide remains a major public health crisis in North Carolina. While overall ideation slightly dropped among high schoolers between 2021 and 2023, suicide deaths rose significantly over the prior decade, disproportionately affecting Black, LGBTQ+, and rural youth. Suicide is the leading cause of death for North Carolina children ages 10-14, the second leading cause for ages 10-18, and the third for ages 19-34. Youth suicide deaths rose 30% from 2013 to 2022. Precipitating factors include mental health issues, recent interpersonal stressors, prior attempts, and impulsive reactions to crises. 

How you can help

In collaboration with students, families, and school and community partners, we want to break the stigma and silence and bring the conversation about mental health and suicide into the open, educate the public on warning signs, and connect students and families to resources and support. 

We welcome your partnership in this vital work. Below are some things that you can do:

Share resources and information

• Post on social media: Share graphics, facts, and helpline info using toolkits from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or NAMI.
• Highlight the 988 lifeline: Remind people that they can call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.
• Wear teal and purple: Display the official teal and purple awareness colors or ribbons to spark conversations and show solidarity.

Connect and converse

• Check in on loved ones: Reach out to friends and family with a simple, direct question about how they are doing.
• Learn the warning signs: Educate yourself on risk factors and practice asking tough, direct questions if you suspect someone is struggling (such as, "Are you thinking about suicide?"). 
• Honor World Suicide Prevention Day: On Sept. 10, observe the national moment of silence or light a candle near your window to symbolize hope and remember those affected. 

Take action locally

• Participate in community events: Join local walks, fundraisers, or mental health workshops. 
• Get involved at work or school: Share educational posters, host a discussion, or provide resource lists in your local community space.

 

One life lost to suicide is too many. Relationships and connections matter and make a difference. There is hope for recovery through building coping skills and teaching help-seeking behaviors.