Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day observed on September 10th to strengthen support measures, reduce stigma, and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Also occurring during this month is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day on September 17th. This day recognizes the challenges faced by medical professionals, which lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Together, these observances create a sustained period of reflection, education, and community engagement focused on promoting mental health and preventing suicide.
The origins of National Suicide Prevention Month date back several decades. The American Association of Suicidology established the first National Suicide Prevention Week in May 1974 in an effort to bring national attention to suicide as a public health concern. In the early 2000s, the observance was moved to September to align with the newly designated World Suicide Prevention Day, created by the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. This alignment allowed national and global initiatives to reinforce one another, creating a more unified and impactful approach to awareness and prevention.
Suicide affects people of all ages, communities, and backgrounds. It is a complex public health issue shaped by an interplay of psychological, social, biological, and environmental factors. Many individuals who attempt or die by suicide experience overwhelming emotional pain, often linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Stressful life events, such as loss, financial strain, illness, and other traumas, can increase feelings of isolation or hopelessness. Social factors such as discrimination, bullying, or lack of access to mental health care also heighten vulnerability. Suicide rarely stems from a single cause. Understanding its layered causes is essential for prevention and for creating environments where people feel supported and able to seek help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States and claimed the lives of over 49,300 people. The suicide rate among males was almost four times higher than that of females. These statistics reflect the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention efforts, and access to mental health resources worldwide. National Suicide Prevention Month was created to underscore this reality and to bring attention to the need for comprehensive prevention measures. By dedicating an entire month to this work, public health organizations seek to normalize conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
Throughout September, organizations, campuses, and communities across Kansas, the United States, and the world use this month to emphasize the importance of mental health and to promote resources that can support individuals in crisis. Mental health organizations, universities, and advocacy groups host events, workshops, and campaigns designed to increase understanding of the warning signs of suicide, reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges, and encourage people to reach out for support. Many institutions use this time to share stories of resilience, highlight evidence-based prevention strategies, and foster environments where individuals feel safe discussing their experiences. Activities may include candlelight vigils, awareness walks, remembrance displays, and social media outreach designed to strengthen connection and reduce isolation.
World Suicide Prevention Day expands the mission of suicide prevention to a global scale. Campaign efforts center on a theme that guides educational outreach and community initiatives. From 2024 to 2026, the World Health Organization uses the campaign “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” as a focus, encouraging communities to challenge how suicide is discussed, addressed, and understood. This theme emphasized shifting public conversation toward compassion, evidence-based understanding, and early intervention. By uniting people across countries and cultures, World Suicide Prevention Day underscores that suicide prevention is a worldwide public health priority requiring collaboration, research, and sustained commitment.
The University of Kansas offers several resources for those in need. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers mental health support to students on KU’s Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Students can visit the Watkins Health Center for a drop-in appointment or schedule one by calling 785-864-2277. CAPS also hosts Skills Sessions and Group Therapy Sessions designed to foster wellness and connection. Learn more about these opportunities and sign up here. Students at the University of Kansas Medical Center can access Counseling and Emotional Support Services, which offers individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, and crisis support. The KU Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential support services for KU and KU Medical Center staff and faculty, including counseling, consultations, and referrals.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can also call or text with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
At the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safe and welcoming place for everyone.