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September is World Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Aug 25, 2025
Most people who think about suicide don’t want to die — they’re struggling to live with overwhelming emotional pain. At CMHA Waterloo Wellington, we’re asking our community to stand with us to #StartTheConversation and change the narrative about suicide.
When we talk openly about suicide, we create space for hope. We remind people they are not alone. We offer a lifeline. We see this every day — through our crisis teams, youth wellness hubs, community programs, and suicide prevention education. Suicide prevention is woven into everything we do: from services and staff training to community workshops.
Thanks to your support last year, we were there in the moments that mattered most:
- 📞 Answering 11,560 crisis calls through Here 24/7 and 9-8-8
- 💬 Responding to 1,413 crisis texts
- 🎓 Delivering 40 suicide prevention education sessions in our community
Why it matters
There’s no single cause of suicide. Risk factors like mental health challenges, trauma, discrimination, and life transitions can increase vulnerability. Talking about suicide can be life-saving. Even trained professionals cannot always predict who will die by suicide. It is never someone’s fault for not seeing the signs. What we can do is:
- Notice changes
- Listen without judgment
- Speak up when we’re concerned
Warning signs to watch for
What someone might say:
- “I don’t see the point anymore” or “Nothing matters”
- Joking or talking about wanting to die
- Saying goodbye or hinting they won’t be around
Changes in behaviour:
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Increased substance use
- Giving away possessions
- Taking unnecessary risks
How you can help
- ✅ Don’t be afraid to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- 👂 Stay present, listen, and show you care.
- 📲 Call or text 9-8-8 anytime for free, confidential support.
- 🚨 If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Having thoughts of suicide doesn’t mean someone is broken — it means they need support, connection, and understanding.
How can you start the conversation?