Every September, National Suicide Prevention Week invites us to pause, reflect, and act. It’s a time to raise awareness, break stigma, and remind every person that hope and help are real.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicidal thoughts don’t always look the way we expect. That’s why it’s important to know the common red flags, remembered through the phrase “IS PATH WARM?”
- Ideation – talking or writing about wanting to die
- Substance use – increased reliance on alcohol or drugs
- Purposelessness – feeling life has no meaning
- Anxiety or agitation – restlessness, trouble sleeping
- Trapped – feeling stuck or without options
- Hopelessness – believing things will never improve
- Withdrawal – pulling away from friends, family, or activities
- Anger – irritability, rage, or uncontrolled outbursts
- Recklessness – risky behaviors without concern for safety
- Mood changes – sudden shifts from despair to calmness
If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s time to reach out for help.
Take Action
You don’t need the perfect words to make a difference—just showing up matters. Here are three simple ways to take action this week:
- Share 988 – Save it in your phone, post it on social media, and tell a friend.
- Start a Conversation – Ask, “How are you really doing?” and listen without judgment.
- Stay Connected – Isolation fuels despair; connection creates hope. Even small check-ins count.
Resources You Can Trust
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is here:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call, text, or chat anytime
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988, then press 1
- The Trevor Project – Support for LGBTQ+ youth
- Samaritans USA – Confidential support, day or night
Integrated Behavioral Health at Community Care
At Community Care Physicians, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we offer Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH)—a patient-centered program that brings expert behavioral health and medical providers under one roof.
With IBH, you receive personalized treatment plans designed to address your health needs holistically. This collaborative approach ensures that mental and physical health are managed together, improving overall quality of life.
Connecting with our team is simple: ask your Community Care provider for a referral to IBH. Within 48 hours, one of our licensed behavioral health schedulers will contact you to begin the process and schedule your appointment.
The Bottom Line: You matter. Your story matters. And you are never alone.
Suicide prevention isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, one conversation and one connection at a time. Whether you share the 988 Lifeline, check in on a friend, seek professional help, or simply remind yourself that tomorrow needs you, you are part of the movement.