September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Published on September 15, 2026

Take a moment this month to learn the warning signs and what to do if someone you love is displaying unusual behavior.

Warning signs indicating thoughts of suicide

• Emotional mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, depression, anger, loss of interest.
• Behavioral withdrawal, giving away possessions, recklessness, poor sleep and eating patterns, researching ways to take their life.
• Verbal cues such as “I am a burden,” “Everyone would be better off without me here,” or “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up.”

What you can do to help

• Point them to a trusted adult or peer.
• Stay calm and listen with empathy.
• Act on your instincts, including removing any means of self-harm and getting emergency help.
• Call 800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Help Line, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Get emergency help

• In a crisis, call or text the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
• Use the 988 online chat.
• Call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.