Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Recognizing Warning Signs and Offering Help
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on what saves lives: noticing warning signs, starting caring conversations, and connecting people to help. If you’re in Glen Ellyn or the broader DuPage County area, this guide offers clear steps and local resources you can use right away.
Why this month matters
Suicide is complex and tragic—but often preventable. Learning what to look for and how to respond can make a real difference for a friend, partner, teen, colleague, or neighbor. National organizations like NIMH and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offer evidence-informed guidance on warning signs and risk factors, and we’ve adapted those essentials here. National Institute of Mental Health+1AFSP
Common warning signs to take seriously
People don’t always say “I’m suicidal.” More often, they show a pattern of changes across thoughts, feelings, and behavior. If you notice several of the signs below—especially if they appear suddenly or intensify—reach out.
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, saying they’re a burden, or expressing unbearable pain. National Institute of Mental HealthAFSP
Withdrawing from friends, family, school, or work; sleep changes (too much or too little); mood shifts (anxiety, agitation, rage, numbness). National Institute of Mental Health
Increased risk-taking (substances, reckless driving) or seeking access to lethal means. NAMI
Giving away possessions, saying goodbye, or sudden calm after distress (possible sign of a decision). Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Not every sign means someone will attempt suicide, but clusters of these cues—especially alongside major stressors—warrant immediate, compassionate attention. National Institute of Mental Health
What to do if you’re worried (a simple, humane script)
Ask directly. “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed overwhelmed and withdrawn. Sometimes when people feel this way, they think about suicide. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” Asking clearly does not put the idea in someone’s head; it opens a door to safety. American Psychiatric Association
Listen without judgment. Reflect back what you hear: “Thank you for telling me. That sounds incredibly heavy.” Avoid arguing, minimizing (“it’s not that bad”), or problem-solving too fast. American Psychiatric Association
If danger seems imminent, don’t leave them alone. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. (Local options listed below.) Remove or lock up potential means if you can do so safely. American Psychiatric Association
Connect to professional help now. Call, text, or chat 988, the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use DuPage County’s crisis line (below). Stay with the person while you call if possible. 988 Lifeline
Make a short-term plan. Help schedule a therapy appointment and set one supportive check-in within 24–48 hours.
If you want a structured skill to feel more confident, consider QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or Mental Health First Aid—brief trainings that teach everyday people how to respond to a mental health crisis. qprinstitute.comMental Health First Aid
Local crisis & support resources (Glen Ellyn / DuPage County)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (nationwide): Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org—free, 24/7, confidential. Trained counselors will listen, help you stay safe, and connect you with local care. 988 Lifeline+1
DuPage County Crisis Line: 630-627-1700 (24/7/365). Connects you to DuPage County Health Department Crisis Services; walk-in help available at 115 N County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL. DuPage Health+1
NAMI DuPage (education & support): Peer and family support groups, classes, and resources. Phone 630-752-0066; located at 115 N County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL. NAMI DuPageNAMI
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital (Winfield): Emergency Department (25 N Winfield Rd., Winfield). Behavioral Health 24/7 Hotline: 630-933-4000; main 630-933-2600. Northwestern Medicine+1
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital (Downers Grove): Emergency Services, 3815 Highland Ave. Phone 630-275-1160 (ED). Open 24/7. Advocate Health
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support via text. Crisis Text LineSAMHSA
LGBTQ+ youth: The Trevor Project—call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online. The Trevor Project+1
If you or someone you’re with is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Emergency clinicians can help keep someone safe in the moment and connect them to follow-up care.
How to be a safe, supportive messenger
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, many of us want to share information online. A few principles help keep vulnerable people safer:
Avoid graphic details or sensational language; share resources and hope instead. AFSP
Share accurate warning signs from trusted sources (NIMH, AFSP). National Institute of Mental HealthAFSP
Include help-seeking info (e.g., 988, local crisis lines) in every post. 988 Lifeline
A one-week action plan for our community
Day 1: Save key numbers. Add 988, 630-627-1700 (DuPage Crisis), and your preferred hospital to your phone. 988 LifelineDuPage Health
Day 2: Learn the signs. Read NIMH/AFSP warning signs and share one resource with a friend. National Institute of Mental HealthAFSP
Day 3: Take a gatekeeper training. Enroll in QPR or Mental Health First Aid. qprinstitute.comMental Health First Aid
Day 4: Check your home safety. Secure medications and other potential means. (Counselors at 988 can help with safety planning.) 988 Lifeline
Day 5: Start a conversation. Gently check in on someone you’ve been worried about. Use direct, compassionate language. American Psychiatric Association
Day 6: Share local resources. Post DuPage County’s crisis line and NAMI DuPage supports in your neighborhood groups. DuPage HealthNAMI DuPage
Day 7: Schedule support for yourself. Caregivers and concerned friends deserve care, too.
You’re not alone—and help is close by
At Sweetgrass Therapy in Glen Ellyn, we provide confidential, evidence-informed care for individuals, teens, couples, and families. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, supporting a loved one in crisis, or processing a recent scare, compassionate help is available. Schedule with a therapist at Sweetgrass Therapy and take your next step toward safety and healing—this month and beyond.
Meta title (SEO): Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Glen Ellyn: Warning Signs, Local Resources & How to Help
Meta description (SEO): September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn warning signs, how to talk to someone at risk, and find Glen Ellyn/DuPage County resources including 988, DCHD Crisis Line, NAMI DuPage, and local hospitals.
