September: A Month for Hope, Healing, and Connection—Suicide Prevention Awareness
Erin Bratsky, MSW, LCPC
September, 2024
As a mental health professional, Suicide Prevention Month in September holds a profound and personal significance for me. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients who have been affected by suicide, and like many, I’ve also faced the heartbreak of losing people close to me. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how critical it is to normalize conversations around mental health and seeking help.
For the past seven years, I’ve been a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), working on the walk planning committee. This role has given me a deep sense of purpose, allowing me to connect with others who are passionate about raising awareness, providing support, and offering hope. Through this work, I’ve found a community of people who understand the power of prevention and the resources that AFSP provides to those in need.
One of the things I’ve learned, both as a volunteer and in my professional life, is how difficult it can be to ask someone if they’re okay. There’s a fear that we might say the wrong thing, or worse—that we might find out they’re not okay, and we won’t know how to help. That anxiety is real, and it’s something many of us struggle with. But what I’ve also learned is that asking someone if they’re okay can be a lifesaving conversation.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to be okay. As a society, we’re making progress in understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health, but there’s still work to be done. There’s no shame in struggling, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Therapy, support groups, and crisis resources are tools we all have access to, and they’re available to everyone, regardless of where they are in their mental health journey.
At Brighter Sky Counseling, we believe that therapy is for everyone—whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply need a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions. You’re not broken; you’re human, and struggling with mental health is part of the human experience. We understand the fear that comes with being vulnerable, and we’re here to support you through it.
This September, as we raise awareness for suicide prevention, it’s a time to remind ourselves that reaching out is a strength, not a weakness. Healing is not linear, and progress may not always look the way we expect, but every step toward wellness matters. Asking for help is the first step toward healing, and it’s a step worth celebrating.
Our team at Brighter Sky Counseling has historically volunteered on walk day with AFSP, and it’s a tradition that means so much to us. Being part of this community effort—walking alongside those who have been impacted by suicide and those who want to help prevent it—reinforces the values we hold dear. We believe in community, connection, and healing. Through our work with AFSP, we are proud to be part of something bigger, helping to provide the resources, support, and hope that can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that you don’t have to face your challenges alone. There are so many resources available, from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) to local counseling services like Brighter Sky Counseling. Whether it’s through therapy, support from friends and family, or crisis intervention, help is always within reach.
This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s continue the conversation, check in on our loved ones, and remind each other that hope is always available.
You matter. You are not alone.
Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): 1-866-488-7386 / Text START to 678678
- Brighter Sky Counseling: Reach out to us for support 406-272-6228