While it’s often difficult to talk about mental and emotional health, it’s critical to address key issues and find solutions. For example, USAFacts indicates that “the suicide rate in New Hampshire has increased by 61.2% over the past 20 years.” Additionally, “the highest risk occurs between the ages of 50 and 54, when the rate of suicide was 27.7. When compared to the national suicide rate during the same period, New Hampshire’s rate of suicide was 44% higher.” So what can be done to help people? 

In September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors an initiative called Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Its purpose is to communicate “the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.”

Understanding Suicide Risks

Reasons for suicide are deeply complex, but by learning why someone might reach that point, we become better equipped to offer support when it’s needed most. What contributes to suicidal thoughts or attempts?

• Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia that distort your self-perception and hope.
• Substance misuse, which impairs decision-making and increases impulsivity.
• Unresolved trauma, including PTSD, complicated grief, or adverse childhood experiences that threaten coping mechanisms and compromises mental and emotional health. 
• Chronic physical pain that creates long-term distress.
• Major life stressors, such as job loss, financial instability, or the death of a loved one.
• Marginalization and social isolation, particularly for Veterans and first responders, teens and young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and underserved communities.
• Barriers to care, including stigma or lack of access to professional mental health support.

Critical Warning Signs

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center states that “people who are considering suicide may show signs that they’re thinking about or planning to attempt suicide. Some behaviors may indicate an emergency is happening or that a person is in crisis.” 

Adults may exhibit:

• Withdrawal from relationships or activities.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Statements of hopelessness or feeling like a burden.
• Sudden calmness after a long period of distress.
• Giving away belongings or discussing death.
• Talking about harming themselves or others.

Youth may show:

• Behavioral changes like anger, irritability, or risk-taking.
• A drop in academic performance.
• Physical complaints without clear cause.
• Expressions of worthlessness or being unwanted.
• Self-harm or increased isolation.
• Plans for a suicide attempt by researching how to do it. 

Free and Confidential Hotlines

Here are some vital resources that will help you or someone you love right away:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call or text 988, or use the online chat function.
• Copline: Available to current and former law enforcement personnel and their families 24/7. Call 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463).
• Fire/EMS Helpline: Available to firefighters, EMTs, rescue personnel, and their families 24/7. Call 1-888-731-FIRE (3473).
• LGBT National Hotline: Available to all members of the LGBTQIA+2s community, including youth, adults, and seniors, Monday–Saturday during specific hours. Call 888-843-4564 for the primary hotline or visit the website for other options. 
• NAMI Helpline. Available to everyone in need of one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources needed to tackle tough challenges, Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. EST. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text ‘NAMI’ to 62640.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text ‘START’ to 88788, or use the online chat function.
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Available to everyone 24/7. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or text ‘HOPE’ to 64673, or use the online chat function.
• The Trevor Project Crisis Line: Available to LGBTQIA+2s youth 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text ‘START’ to 678-678, or use the online chat function.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Available to Veterans and their loved ones 24/7. Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255, or use the online chat function. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with caring, qualified responders.

You’ll find additional crisis assistance by visiting the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website. 

How Can Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Make a Difference? 

It all starts with removing the stigma that overshadows mental and emotional health issues and shedding light on opportunities for healing. Starting September 1st, SAMHSA’s toolkit outlines four weekly themes that guide engagement and education throughout the month:

• Week 1: Understanding Risk: Embracing Treatment, Hope, and Resilience
  This week focuses on identifying risk factors and promoting treatment strategies that are grounded in empathy and effectiveness. The goal: to reaffirm that healing is real—and deeply personal.
• Week 2: Building Community Partnerships and Supports
  Community plays a crucial role in prevention, and this week encourages collaboration among peer leaders, schools, local organizations, and those with lived experience to build systems of belonging and care.
• Week 3: Improving Care and Outcomes for People at Risk
  Suicide prevention is not just about intervention—it’s about consistent, ongoing support. This week calls for better access to mental health services, more structured safety planning, and the promotion of routines that support long-term wellness.
• Week 4: Promoting Dignity Through Connection
  The final week highlights the power of storytelling. Lifting up voices of those who’ve navigated suicidal thoughts or survived attempts helps break stigma, reduce silence, and encourage others to seek help.

Behind every statistic is a person. You don’t need to be a therapist to help someone feel seen. Suicide prevention begins with connection—showing up, listening without judgment, and believing that even the smallest act of care can shift someone’s path. 

Recovery Mountain: The Right Help at the Right Time 

At Recovery Mountain in Tilton, our board-certified medical professionals know just how much you matter. We design individualized treatment grounded in evidence-based and holistic techniques to meet your specific needs. You don’t have to navigate better health alone—reach out to our admissions team to learn how we can help.