No one should face mental health challenges alone. Whether you’re navigating your own feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts, or supporting someone you care about, it’s vital to remember: suicide is preventable, and compassionate help is always within reach.

Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, offers a powerful opportunity to spark conversations about emotional well-being, recognize the warning signs, and connect with life-saving resources. It’s also a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength: never too early or too late.

Below, we explore how greater awareness, open dialogue, and professional guidance, like the care offered by GoodTherapy’s network of expert therapists, can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you love needs help, know that hope and healing are possible, and x is available.

What Is Suicide Prevention?

Suicide rates have increased in recent years, with men and non-Hispanic white individuals being the two demographics most greatly affected. But suicide’s impact reaches far beyond statistics; it touches families, friends, and entire communities.

With more than 49,000 lives lost to suicide in 2023 in the U.S., it’s clear that raising awareness about prevention is essential for everyone, not just those living with mental health challenges but also those who care about them.

Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity for all of us to come together, foster hope, and remind one another that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Whether you’re navigating your own emotional wellness, supporting a loved one, or advocating for mental health in your community, your efforts can help save lives. By learning, sharing, and opening up the conversation, we can all play a part in preventing suicide and building a more compassionate future.

Warning Signs to Watch for

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is a powerful way to support yourself and those around you. By learning what to look for, you can help break the silence and connect someone with the help they deserve. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the following, reaching out to a mental health professional is an important step towards healing:

• Talking about wanting to die, expressing overwhelming guilt or shame, or feeling like a burden
• Feeling hopeless, deeply sad, trapped, or unable to find meaning in life
• Experiencing intense emotional or physical pain
• Noticeable changes in behavior, such as searching for ways to die, withdrawing from loved ones, or settling affairs
• Acting impulsively or engaging in risky behaviors
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs

It’s natural to feel uneasy or even ashamed when facing these concerns, but opening up about suicide and mental health is an act of courage. Each conversation, every acknowledgment of a warning sign, and every step toward professional support helps reduce stigma and can truly save lives. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, and you’re not alone.

Read More: Curious If It’s Time to Seek Help? Start Here

Making a Difference: How Spreading Awareness Saves Lives

By taking the time to educate yourself about suicide prevention, you’re already playing a crucial role in saving lives. Awareness is powerful, but your impact doesn’t have to stop here. There are evidence-based ways we can all contribute to suicide prevention and foster hope in our communities, whether you’re a provider, educator, or just simply someone drawn to the cause:

1. Building Community Connections

   Prevention starts with connection. Supporting friends, family, and coworkers (while encouraging open, stigma-free conversations) can make a life-changing difference. Community-based programs are proven to help individuals going through mental health crisis, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has state-specific community programs you or a loved one can explore. 

2. Reducing Access to Lethal Means
   
   Limiting access to fatal means of suicide is a proven step to help keep people safe. Firearms and some medications (when taken at a high dose) are two of the most common means you can remove from your home or community space to protect loved ones.

3. Expanding Access to Care
   

   Ensuring that mental health treatment and crisis resources are available and accessible is essential. Supporting policies and services that integrate suicide prevention into healthcare settings helps more people get the help they deserve when they need it most. 

4. Advancing Knowledge by Encouraging Research
   

   Reliable, timely data helps us make informed decisions about suicide prevention strategies. By supporting efforts to improve research and quality improvement through donations, supporting non-profits like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and supporting legislative action, we can better understand how to support those at risk and measure our progress as a society.

5. Promoting Health Equity
   

   Certain groups face higher risks due to systemic inequalities. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, or are aware of the issues but don’t have direct exposure to system inequalities, you have the power to make change. Working to remove barriers to support and championing an equitable, culturally informed approach helps ensure everyone has access to the care and understanding they need.

Taking action can feel daunting, but every small step counts. Start by having honest conversations about mental health, sharing helpful resources, and using respectful language when discussing suicide. Even simple acts of support can open the door to hope and healing.

To learn more about how you can make a positive impact, check out SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Digital Toolkit and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Every effort, no matter how big or small, brings us closer to a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide.

Read More: Review Tips on How to Talk About Suicidal Thoughts

How GoodTherapy Can Help

Seeking support from a compassionate, expert professional is a significant step in breaking mental health stigmas and helping you, or a loved one, get the care they deserve. Whether you’re seeking a therapist for your child, are looking for a culturally competent therapist who understands your cultural experiences, or simply want to understand different therapy approaches, GoodTherapy has resources for you.

Mental health touches every corner of the globe, affecting individuals and communities alike. But through therapy and evidence-based strategies, we can all make a difference. Each of us has the power to help save lives by raising awareness, reaching out, and making support more accessible. We can take vital steps toward preventing suicide and building a more compassionate world for everyone. 

How Will You Recognize Suicide Prevention Month?

Finding the right counseling services is an essential step in suicide prevention, and GoodTherapy makes it easier to connect with professionals who can help. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 

Resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Suicide Prevention Month

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Suicide Prevention: Suicide Data and Statistics

National Institute of Mental Health: Warning Signs of Suicide

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

SAMHSA: Suicide Prevention Toolkit

SAMHSA: Suicide Prevention Resource Center

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

SAMHSA: Reduce Access to Means of Suicide

SAMHSA: States and Territories

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention: Suicide Statistics

Mental health is an integral aspect of our overall well-being. As humans, we all go through various emotional, psychological, and social challenges that can sometimes be overwhelming. Seeking therapy and reaching out for help has become a common and acceptable practice in modern times, however, this was not always the case.  

There was a time when mental health issues were stigmatized, and people were ashamed to talk about it. This stigmatization not only caused immense suffering but also perpetuated negative stereotypes that still exist today. 

Normalizing mental health issues and treatment has been a great stride in promoting awareness and reducing stigma. However, with this wider discussion has come the problematic sensationalizing of mental health issues.  

 In this blog, we will delve into how mental health has gone from stigmatized to normalized, as well as the harmful effects of sensationalizing mental illness. 

 

Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health 

 The stigma surrounding mental health goes back to the days when people suffering from mental illnesses were deemed unfit for society and locked away in asylums. Negative stereotypes perpetuated by the stigmatization of mental illness persist even today. They often paint individuals with mental health issues as weak, lazy, crazy, or dangerous.  

 These stereotypes are unfair and not true for many individuals suffering from mental health issues. People with mental health concerns come from all walks of life and are often very high-functioning individuals.  

 Such perceptions often lead to individuals with mental health issues being discriminated against at work, school, or even in social settings. This drives them away from their peers and can cause them to feel isolated and vulnerable.  

 Stigmatization also discourages us from talking openly about mental health. It reinforces the idea that we should hide our mental health issues and feelings. Research shows that people are more likely to avoid seeking mental health treatment when they perceive high levels of stigmatization associated with mental illnesses. 

 Normalizing mental health is crucial to combat stigmatization. And it starts with creating a safe and stigma-free space for individuals to talk about their experiences and seek help. By helping people understand that mental health issues are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of, we create an inclusive and empathetic environment. 

 

From Normalized to Sensationalized  

The normalization of mental health helps to reduce stigma, but it can also be a double-edged sword. Though well-intended and generally beneficial, the casual normalization of mental illnesses may downplay the severity and complexity of different psychiatric conditions.  

 It can contribute to people having distorted ideas, misguided perceptions, or assumptions around mental illness. “Depressed people are always sad,” “anxiety means you’re nervous,” and “people with bipolar disorder are just overly dramatic” are only a few examples.  

 Unfortunately, the normalization and popularization of mental illness has led to the sensationalizing of mental illness, even turning it into a fad. Mental health is not a one size fits all issue; its complex nature means there are various levels of severity within diagnosis types. Turning it into an overly accessible trend can discourage those experiencing severe mental illness from opening up and can even cause self-doubt in their own assessment on their mental state. 

The Dangers of Sensationalizing Mental Health 

It is becoming increasingly common to see words like depression and anxiety tossed around when describing feelings of sadness and worry. While everyone experiences sadness and worry, it is not the same as being depressed or having an anxiety disorder. When people misuse these words, it can trivialize the real struggles that people with mental illness face. It diminishes the severity of these illnesses, and people begin to brush off the importance of seeking professional help. 

 The misrepresentation of these illnesses in popular media has led to harmful situations for teenagers. Suicide, for example, can be contagious. When suicide is sensationalized through television or movies, it creates a ripple effect, with individuals taking their own lives in an attempt to glorify the behavior that they have seen. Representations of suicide on television or on social media platforms contribute to a culture where self-harm can sometimes be seen as the only means to get relief. 

 Another way mental health issues have been sensationalized is through recreational videos on social media apps. A TikTok trend involved people pretending to have dissociative identity disorder (DID), which is a severe mental illness. These videos were harmful because the portrayal of DID was highly inaccurate, and it made the illness seem like something that could be fun or trendy to have. It is essential to remember that mental illness is not a trend but a very real problem that affects millions of people. 

 Another downside to sensationalizing mental illness is when individuals use it as an excuse for bad behavior. People sometimes use mental illness to explain harmful actions that they cannot justify. This behavior only perpetuates a negative stigma around mental health, and it makes people less likely to believe others who genuinely live with these illnesses. Mental illness is never an excuse for harmful behavior. 

 Finally, mental illness and self-harm being seen as “tragically beautiful” has been another dangerous trend coming from sensationalizing mental health issues. Social media users are perpetuating a toxic environment where people are beginning to see mental illness and self-harm as attention-seeking behaviors. This trend is harmful because it romanticizes the act of self-harm and puts vulnerable people at risk. 

Educate Yourself with GoodTherapy  

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and the more we talk about it, the more we can break down the stigma, but; it is important that we be more mindful of the language we use when addressing mental health issues, so as not to trivialize or promote sensationalism. 

 It’s vital that discussions surrounding mental illness remain grounded in truth while still encouraging understanding and openness. By taking a responsible and compassionate approach to discussing mental health issues, we can help to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage individuals to seek support when they need it most.  

 At GoodTherapy, we strive to reduce stigma through education on therapy benefits while connecting those in need directly with qualified therapists near them. GoodTherapy provides millions of people with access to support and resources from dedicated professionals across the world. Learn more about how we can help today! 

 

by Jennifer Leff, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in New York, NY
Co-Chair, Behind the Scenes Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Initiative Steering Committee

What’s Going On Behind the Scenes? Mental Health and the Entertainment Industry

No doubt, the pandemic has impacted most industries. However, the entertainment industry was the first to shut down and will be the last to fully re-open. Entertainment industry workers, specifically those behind the scenes, have long experienced mental health challenges and stereotypically, haven’t easily accessed services. The pandemic has only further shed a light on individuals in the entertainment industry, and with this, a strong call for mental health professionals who are equipped to provide support and tailor their clinical practices for those working behind the scenes.

The Need

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health), one in five adults will experience or has experienced a mental health struggle. In 2019, this individual represented 19.1% of U.S. adults – that is to say about 47.6 million living with a mental illness. Now, triple that number. Individuals working in the entertainment industry — actors, musicians, stage production, roadies — those in front of and behind the set/stage — are approximately three times more likely to struggle with mental health challenges. Moreover, there is a disproportionate struggle with substance misuse in this population. While Arts and Entertainment can transcend emotions and benefit our well-being, it’s somewhat ironic that production and tech workers — the ones we don’t see — are, in fact, suffering. Behind the Scenes, a nonprofit foundation that provides support to entertainment technology professionals, created the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and psychological safety.

The Unique Pressures of Technical Workers

The rigors and unique stressors of entertainment industry work have a negative impact on well-being and mental health. Common industry threads include financial instability, irregular hours, transient work and its impact on relationships, and lack of permanency. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation can occur, and leaders often don’t know how to provide support. This can make people even more vulnerable. It’s also not uncommon for those working in the entertainment industry to lack insurance that covers behavioral health costs.

We Need Therapists Who Get It

It is vitally important to have a cadre of therapists who are familiar with the industry, cognizant of how anxiety, depression, and PTSD are triggered in these workplaces, and willing to adjust their practices to meet the needs of this population (for example, by incorporating sliding scales). Behind the Scenes is passionate about helping industry workers and their families access support and find mental health professionals who get it — and we’re excited to partner with GoodTherapy to help make those connections.

The old adage “the show must go on” is exactly that — old. The show can’t go on if a show’s production — sound, lighting, costume design, and more —  comes to a halt. We’ve seen an uptick in the entertainment industry talking about mental health and wellness; the pandemic has further fueled this discussion. If we continue this conversation and this cultural shift in the way we view mental health, the show can go on in a way that is healthy and sustainable for all.

Mental Health Trumps Reputation

If you go behind the scenes, “reputation” is ubiquitous. Industry workers don’t want to jeopardize their reputation or perceived reliability should they take time off or admit to needing support. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s human to need help.

Let’s not wait for Suicide Prevention Week or Mental Health Month to highlight mental health or encourage permission to address mental health needs. Check in with friends and colleagues. Next time you’re watching TV, enjoying a music festival, or sitting in a theater audience, think of the rigger or the lighting tech and recognize their work and challenges. If you’re in the industry, know you’re not alone. Support is available for you.

Ready to find a therapist who gets it? Search for therapists near you, then filter your results by Industries & Communities Served > Entertainment Industry.

Things Aren’t That Bad: 5 Reasons People Give to Avoid Getting Professional Help

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness, but not all of them seek out professional help. In fact, nearly 60% of adults with mental illness do not seek mental health help. With a seemingly endless list of consequences, not getting help for mental illness can result in increased dependency on substances, increased risk of suicide, disruptions in your everyday life, and much more. Even though it is dangerous to avoid getting professional help, many adults still do. Below are five common excuses for avoiding therapy… and reasons to push past them. 

Common Excuses to Avoid Therapy

#1: “Things Aren’t as Bad as They Seem.”

Even if you’re dealing with a myriad of mental health-related issues, it’s very common for you to tell yourself and others that things are really not that bad. This excuse is often used when other individuals in your life point out differences in your behavior or notice you are going through a difficult time. Even though you are showing noticeable changes in your normal self, saying things are not as bad as they seem is an excuse that seeks to diminish those concerns. But this excuse suggests a “tough it out” attitude about mental health issues, which often doesn’t lead you out of those issues, but merely allows them to persist. You don’t have to suffer alone. 

#2: “Therapy Is Too Expensive.”

A common concern and excuse for avoiding professional help is the cost of therapy. Yes, therapy can be expensive, but not always. Depending on several cost factors, insurance may make it more affordable than you realize. Some therapists offer sliding scale rates, meaning that they have room in their practice for clients who need discounted rates. There may also be affordable and accessible mental health services in your area, just waiting to be explored. 

#3: “I Don’t Need Therapy.”

Sometimes we view professional help as a luxury or something that should only be used by people who suffer from seemingly “worse” mental health conditions than whatever we’re dealing with. The truth is, most mental health issues that adults experience are not considered severe at first, but they can become dangerous if left unattended. For example, mild depression or anxiety, left to fester, can grow into major depressive disorder. Seeking professional help can help you get your symptoms under control before they become overwhelming or dangerous. 

It’s important to note as well that constantly living in state of stress, depression, or anxiety can actually do a lot of harm to your everyday life. You don’t have to “hit rock bottom” for your struggle to be worthy of attention and care. You matter, your quality of life matters, and pursuing your own mental health is worthy no matter how things are going.

Keep in mind the ripple effects of learning better coping mechanisms, healthier ways of interacting, a strong self-image, and direction in personal growth over time. Learning to fight better with your partner, replacing your negative self-image with a positive one, or recovering from childhood trauma are treasures that you will take into every day for the rest of your life.

#4: “I Don’t Know Where to Start.”

If you don’t know where to start in seeking professional help, there are two great places to go. If you have an insurance carrier, you should start by calling them. The number of your insurance provider can usually be found on the back of your insurance card. You can learn more about your coverage for services and receive recommendations about covered professional help in your area directly from them. The second option is to look at an online directory of therapists. Here, you can find a list of therapists in your area who are ready to help.

#5: “I’m Too Busy.”

We all know that life can get busy, and it can seem like we do not have time to spare. This can feel especially true when we’re considering something we do not really feel excited about. But making time to get professional help is worth it. With the support of a therapist, you can learn to manage your mental illness, pursue personal growth in a way that frees you to be your best self, and let go of things that just aren’t serving you. There is always time for that. 

It Is Time to Get Professional Help 

No matter your situation, if you’re struggling with your mental health, you should seek professional help. To learn more about a therapist in your area who is ready to help you, click here.