National Suicide Prevention Month: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Reach Out

September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and standing together to support those who may be struggling silently. Suicide is not just a statistic; it represents real lives lost, families forever changed, and communities left searching for answers. Behind every number is a story, a person who once dreamed, loved, and longed to be seen.

At Life Happens Counseling, Coaching & Consulting PLLC, we believe that every life holds immeasurable value. We know that while life happens — with its unexpected challenges, losses, and moments of pain — you don’t have to face those battles alone. This month, and every month, we stand as advocates for hope, healing, and the power of connection.

Why Suicide Prevention Matters

The reality is sobering. According to the CDC, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and rates continue to rise across age groups. Teens, young adults, and even older adults face unique pressures that can push them into isolation, despair, or hopelessness.

But suicide is not inevitable. It is preventable. Prevention begins with awareness — with having honest conversations about mental health, checking in on one another, and recognizing the signs that someone may be struggling. It begins with reminding people that they are not a burden, that their presence matters, and that help is available.

The Role of Mental Health

Mental health is often misunderstood, dismissed, or overlooked — yet it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Just like physical health, mental health requires care, attention, and support. Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or other emotional challenges are not signs of weakness; they are human experiences that deserve compassion and healing.

When mental health struggles go unaddressed, they can grow heavier and harder to manage. For some, that weight feels unbearable. That’s why seeking support early on is so important. Therapy provides a safe and nonjudgmental space to share those heavy feelings, to be heard, and to learn tools for navigating life’s storms.

You Are Not Alone

If you are struggling right now, know this: you are not alone. It can feel isolating to carry pain that others don’t see, but your life matters, your voice matters, and your healing matters. Taking the step to reach out for help is not a sign of failure; it’s a courageous act of strength.

At Life Happens, Regina Mason, LCSW, is dedicated to walking alongside you in that journey. With warmth, compassion, and evidence-based care, Regina provides a safe place where you can share openly, explore your struggles, and begin to rediscover hope. Whether you are facing depression, navigating grief, or simply feeling lost, therapy can be the first step toward healing and reclaiming your life.

How Life Happens Can Help

Regina offers support for individuals, couples, and families through:

• Counseling — For anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions.

• Family & Couples Therapy — Helping strengthen communication, heal relationships, and build healthier connections.

• Coaching — For personal growth, resilience, and achieving meaningful goals.

• Consulting — For mental wellness and workplace well-being.

Each session is rooted in compassion and tailored to your unique needs. Regina’s approach isn’t just about addressing problems — it’s about helping you find strength, clarity, and confidence to move forward.

How You Can Help

Even if you are not struggling personally, you can play an important role in suicide prevention. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or a conversation can make all the difference. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Check in on loved ones — A text or call can mean more than you realize.

• Listen without judgment — Sometimes people don’t need advice, just a safe space to share.

• Encourage professional help — Normalize therapy as a powerful tool for healing.

• Share resources — Remind others that help is available 24/7.

Together, we can create a culture where it’s safe to talk about struggles and where no one feels like they have to face life’s darkest moments alone.

A Message of Hope

Life happens — with all its beauty and all its pain. But hope also happens. Healing happens. Change happens. When we choose to reach out, to connect, and to walk alongside one another, we create a brighter path forward.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that support is within reach. At Life Happens Counseling, Coaching & Consulting PLLC, we are here to help you navigate the challenges, rediscover your strength, and move toward a life filled with meaning and connection.

Crisis Resources

If you are in immediate crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected with trained counselors who can provide immediate support.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is here. Hope is here.