National Suicide Prevention Month: A Story of Hope and Healing

Every September, we’re reminded to hold space for a conversation that can often feel too big, too raw, too painful: suicide. We’re called to pause, to listen, and to lean into the discomfort of talking about mental health, not just in passing, but in the full weight of its complexity.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. And for many, that conversation is more than an abstract public health issue. It’s deeply personal.

It certainly is for me.

I wrote "Checking In" to share my story—both the bright parts and the shadowy ones that nearly consumed me. It’s a book about mental health, yes, but more importantly, it’s a book about survival. It’s about the daily act of choosing life, even when everything in you wants to let go. I wanted to give voice to the silence many people feel in their struggle, especially in communities where talking about mental health is still taboo.

But this story doesn’t just belong to me. It's a story that belongs to anyone who has ever felt alone, anyone who has questioned their worth, anyone who has stood on the precipice of despair and wondered if anyone would miss them if they were gone. It’s also a story for those who love them.

The Power of Checking In

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the power of checking in. We often say it as a casual greeting, "Hey, just checking in!" But for some, those three words can be a lifeline.

When I was going through one of my darkest periods, I felt utterly invisible. There were days when the world felt too heavy, and I didn’t have the strength to carry it anymore. But a friend—bless her—kept reaching out. She didn’t need me to have the right words. She didn’t need me to pretend to be okay. She simply checked in.

In that moment, she gave me permission to be vulnerable, to be broken, to be real. She wasn’t trying to fix me—she was just present, a reminder that I didn’t have to bear the weight of the world alone. And that was enough to pull me back from the edge.

That’s what "Checking In" is all about. It’s about acknowledging that we can’t fight this battle in isolation. It’s about asking ourselves tough questions and, sometimes, sitting in the messy, complicated answers. It’s about showing up for ourselves and for each other in ways that might feel awkward but are always necessary.

Breaking the Silence

When it comes to mental health, silence is deadly. It’s the thing that convinces you that your pain is unique and that no one else could possibly understand. But the truth is, so many of us have been there. I have. And if you’re reading this, maybe you have too.

Silence feeds the stigma, and stigma kills.

So, let’s break that silence. Let’s talk openly about what it means to struggle, to fail, to fall apart, and, most importantly, to rise again. Let’s stop pretending that being “strong” means never asking for help, because I’ll tell you from experience: the strongest thing I ever did was ask for help when I needed it most.

The Importance of Small Acts

During National Suicide Prevention Month, we hear a lot about raising awareness, sharing resources, and offering support, and these are all crucial. But it’s also important to remember that saving lives happens in small, intimate moments. It happens in the quiet space between two friends when one asks, “How are you, really?” and means it. It happens when we recognize that the people who seem the happiest on the outside might be carrying the heaviest burdens inside.

There’s no grand gesture required to offer someone hope. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, sending a text, or picking up the phone. Sometimes, it’s letting someone know they’re not alone in their suffering.

You Are Needed Here

I want you to know—whether you’re struggling or supporting someone who is—that you are needed here. The world is better with you in it. Even when it’s hard to believe it. Even when you can’t see it.

I wrote "Checking In" because I believe that no one should ever feel like they have to walk this road alone. I believe in the power of connection, of vulnerability, of honesty. And I believe that together, we can create a world where no one feels like their only option is to disappear.

As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month, I encourage you to do two things: check in with yourself, and check in with the people you love. Ask those questions that feel hard to ask. Be there for someone, even if they’re not ready to talk yet. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can be the light that keeps the darkness at bay.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please don’t wait to reach out. Help is available, and there are people who care deeply about you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always open—just a call away at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741741 for free, confidential support.

Let’s keep showing up for one another. Let’s keep checking in.

Because every life is worth saving. Including yours.

With love,

Michelle

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or mental health professional. The experiences shared in this blog are personal and intended for informational purposes only. If you are struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional support from a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health organization.