Recognizing Suicide Awareness Month: Together, We Can Prevent Loss

September is Suicide Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a difficult topic, reduce stigma, and remind our communities that help is available. At the Center for Transformative Health (CTH), we believe that awareness, education, and connection are powerful tools to support mental health and save lives.

Why It Matters

Suicide affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It often occurs when pain becomes unbearable and hope seems out of reach. But suicide doesn't have to be inevitable—many crisis situations can be turned around with timely support, empathy, and resources.

In Houston and many parts of the U.S., access to mental health care is limited, and stigma still prevents folks from seeking help. According to regional data, Houston-area residents have less than half the access to mental health providers compared to the national average.Understanding Houston Increasing mental distress, substance use, and suicide rates in our region underscore the urgency for more community-based awareness and support.Understanding Houston

What CTH Can Do — Our Role in Raising Awareness & Support

At CTH, our work in chronic disease prevention and health equity naturally connects with mental health. Here’s how:

• Education & Outreach: We integrate mental health literacy into broader health conversations—helping people see the links between stress, chronic disease, and mental well-being.

• Community Events & Screenings: At our health fairs and community outreach, we offer safe spaces to talk about mental health, provide informational materials, and connect individuals to support.

• Referral & Resource Bridge-Building: When we encounter someone who needs mental health assistance, we aim to serve as a bridge—linking them to local services, helplines, and crisis resources.

• Reducing Stigma: By normalizing conversations about mental health in our communications, events, and social media, we seek to dismantle shame and encourage people to reach out when they're struggling.

  During Suicide Awareness Month, we amplify these efforts—sharing stories, promoting crisis lines, and urging everyone to check in on loved ones.

  Houston-Area Resources You Can Rely On

  It’s vital to know where to turn when someone is hurting. Below are key resources in Houston and national lifelines:

  Rainbow Health / 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Their crisis lifeline is 988 — free, confidential support for emotional distress, mental health issues, substance use struggles, or thoughts of suicide.

• Available 24/7/365 via call, text, or online chat.

• Support is offered in English, Spanish, and more than 240 languages through interpretation.

• Think of 988 as the “911” equivalent for mental health crises.

• Crisis Intervention of Houston

• 24/7, free, confidential crisis & suicide counseling.

• Hotlines: 832-416-1177 (general), 832-416-1199 (teen). Crisis Intervention of Houston

• The Harris Center — Crisis & Access Line

• Available 24/7 for mental health support in Harris County. Dial 713-970-7000. Harris Center for Mental Health+1

• Their Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) responds to crisis situations in the community. Harris Center for Mental Health

• NAMI Greater Houston

  • Provides peer support, education, advocacy, and a warmline (713-970-4483) for mental health support.NAMI Greater Houston

  Montrose Center

  • A hub for LGBTQ-affirming counseling, support groups, and community mental health services.Wikipedia

  DBSA Greater Houston

  • Offers free support groups for people with depression and bipolar disorder—providing hope, community, and recovery tools.Wikipedia

  What You Can Do

  • Reach out. Check in regularly with friends, family, coworkers. Sometimes a simple “How are you, really?” can make a difference.

  • Know the signs. Sudden mood shifts, withdrawal, hopelessness, and talk of being a burden are potential red flags.

  • Spread awareness. Share trusted resources, post about 988, discuss mental health in your circles.

  • Prioritize self-care. Sleep, nutrition, social connection, and movement matter—not just for your body, but your mind.

  • Encourage help-seeking. If someone is struggling, guide them to a crisis line or local service. Offer to stay with them or call 988 together.

  In observing Suicide Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment at CTH to holistic health—where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are all part of the same mission. You are not alone. Help is always within reach.

  In conclusion, Suicide Awareness Month reminds us that mental health is just as vital as physical health. At CTH, we’re dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and connecting our community to the resources they need to thrive. Whether through screenings, health literacy programs, or collaborations with local partners like Rainbow Health, our mission is to support Houstonians in every step of their wellness journey.

  Join the Conversation. Get involved. Take the next step.
  Your voice matters. Share this blog with a friend, leave us a comment, or tell us how CTH can continue supporting mental health awareness in our community. Together, we can break the stigma and create a healthier future for all. Explore more resources, upcoming events, and ways to engage by visiting our website.
  Awareness is the first step. Action is the next. Stay connected with us on IG, sign up for our newsletter, or reach out if you’d like to collaborate on future health initiatives.

  💙
  — The CTH Team