September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide, reduce stigma around mental health, and remind people that it’s okay to talk openly when someone is struggling.
It also arrives during a season of transition. Students are returning to school or college. Families are adjusting to new routines. Work schedules may become busier. Days gradually get shorter. For some people, fall feels like a fresh start. For others, these changes can add stress, loneliness, or emotional strain.
If someone you care about hasn’t seemed like themselves lately, you may be wondering: How can I tell if someone is really struggling? And what should I do if I’m concerned about them?
There isn’t always one obvious sign. But paying attention to changes—and being willing to start a conversation—can matter.
What Are the Warning Signs That Someone May Be Struggling?
Mental health struggles can look different from person to person. A change in behavior does not necessarily mean someone is considering suicide, but certain changes may signal that a person needs additional support.
Signs that may warrant attention include:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, worthless, or like a burden
- Significant changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or mood
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Giving away meaningful belongings or unexpectedly saying goodbye
- Becoming unusually reckless or engaging in risky behavior
- Expressing that life has no purpose or that things will never improve
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- A sudden or unexplained change in mood, including appearing calmer after a period of significant distress
Some people communicate their distress directly. Others may become quieter, more irritable, disconnected, or difficult to reach.
The important thing is not to diagnose what is happening from the outside. Instead, notice meaningful changes and take concerns seriously.
Why Fall Transitions Can Feel Difficult
Fall often brings a noticeable change in pace.
For children and teens, a new school year can bring academic expectations, social pressures, changing friendships, sports schedules, and less unstructured time. College students may be navigating independence, homesickness, demanding coursework, or a new social environment.
Adults may also experience changes in family routines, work responsibilities, caregiving demands, or financial stress. And as daylight hours decrease, some people notice changes in their mood, energy, or motivation.
Transitions aren’t inherently negative. But even positive changes can create stress.
If someone already feels anxious, depressed, isolated, or overwhelmed, additional demands may make coping feel more difficult.
How Do You Ask Someone If They’re Okay?
Many people hesitate to bring up mental health because they’re afraid they’ll say the wrong thing.
You don’t need the perfect words.
You might start with a simple observation:
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you doing?”
Or:
“You’ve had a lot going on recently, and I wanted to check in. How have you really been feeling?”
Try to listen without immediately trying to solve the problem. Give the person room to talk, and take what they share seriously.
Should You Ask Someone Directly About Suicide?
If you’re concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it is appropriate to ask directly.
For example:
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
or
“Have you been thinking about hurting yourself?”
Asking clearly can give someone permission to talk about thoughts they may have been afraid or ashamed to share. It also helps you better understand the seriousness of the situation so you can respond appropriately.
Avoid minimizing what they tell you or immediately trying to convince them that everything will be okay. Focus first on listening, staying present, and helping them connect with appropriate support.
What Should You Do If Someone Says They’re Thinking About Suicide?
Take them seriously.
If there is an immediate danger or someone has a plan or intent to harm themselves, seek emergency assistance rather than trying to manage the situation alone.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If the situation is not an immediate emergency, encourage the person to connect with appropriate professional support. That might include a therapist, physician, school mental health professional, or another qualified provider.
You can also offer practical support, such as sitting with them while they make a call or helping them identify someone else they trust.
What If Someone Doesn’t Show Obvious Warning Signs?
Not everyone who is struggling will show clear outward signs.
Someone may continue going to work, attending school, caring for their family, or spending time with friends while experiencing significant emotional distress privately.
That is one reason everyday conversations about mental health matter.
You don’t need to wait until someone appears to be in crisis to check in. Asking a friend, partner, coworker, teenager, or family member how they’re really doing can help create space for a more honest conversation.
Supporting Mental Health Beyond a Crisis
Suicide prevention isn’t limited to responding in moments of crisis.
It also means making it easier for people to talk about stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, relationship difficulties, and other challenges before they become overwhelming.
Therapy can provide a confidential space to talk about difficult experiences, understand emotional patterns, and explore ways of coping with life’s challenges.
At Good Therapy Counseling, our therapists work with adults, couples, children, and teens in Naperville and surrounding communities. [Link: Counseling Services]
If you or someone in your family has been struggling with the transition into fall, school pressures, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, you can [contact Good Therapy Counseling] to learn more about our therapists and counseling options.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, immediate support is available.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 in the United States.
Emergency assistance: If there is an immediate or life-threatening danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Good Therapy Counseling is an outpatient counseling practice and should not be used as a substitute for emergency or crisis services.