SUICIDE PREVENTION
& AWARENESS
This resource toolkit brings together up-to-date resources from trusted organizations, including tools, data, and links designed to support young people, caregivers, and professionals in finding the help and information they need.*
*All data and links were accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.
FOR URGENT SUPPORT TEXT OR CALL 988
Information for:
September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time to make more space for conversations about mental health, connection, and asking for help. For young people, knowing someone is willing to listen can make it easier to speak up when things feel difficult.
The need for these conversations is clear. According to the 2026 Georgia School Climate Survey, 12,526 of 406,164 youth reported seriously considering or attempting suicide in the past year. 68,947 youth (18%) did not respond to this question. The high non-response rate highlights the importance of creating safe, supportive opportunities for young people to talk about mental health and suicide.
Suicide prevention starts long before a crisis. It can mean checking in, making space for honest conversations, listening without judgment, and helping a young person find support.
This September, let’s make it easier to talk about how we feel—and remind young people that they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
EVERYONE
Suicide prevention starts with awareness, connection, and knowing when to reach out. Anyone can play a role by learning the warning signs, checking in with someone who may be struggling, listening without judgment, and helping connect them to support.
Talking openly about mental health and suicide can reduce stigma and make it easier for people to ask for help. You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Sometimes, simply letting someone know you care and helping them find support is an important first step.
Prevention also happens before a crisis. Building strong connections, creating spaces where people feel comfortable talking about how they’re doing, and knowing where to turn for help can all support mental well-being and suicide prevention.
DID YOU KNOW?
¡La Línea Nacional de Ayuda para el Suicidio y las Crisis está aquí para ti en español! Solo tienes que llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al 988 y elegir español como tu idioma preferido.
(The National Suicide and Crisis Helpline is ready to help you in Spanish! Just call or text 988 and select Spanish as your language of choice.)
Access Spanish-language information about 988 here!
The 988 line offers specific teletypewriter (TTY) services and videophone support for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH). Access D/HoH support information here!
YOUTH
Learn more about suicide prevention, mental health, and ways to support yourself and others through these trusted resources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides trusted, research-based information about mental health, suicide prevention, common conditions, and finding support.
Suicide prevention can start in many places. It can mean learning to recognize when someone may be struggling, checking in on a friend, talking honestly about how you feel, or knowing where to turn for support. You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out, and you don’t have to know exactly what to say.
Talking about mental health or asking for help can be difficult. But support is available. Whether you need help for yourself, are worried about a friend, or want to learn how to have more open conversations, there is a place to start.
Listening without judgment, staying connected, and helping someone find support can all be part of suicide prevention.
You are not alone. Support is available, and you deserve to be here.
If you or a friend need immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor. For more tools, education, and ways to support yourself or others, explore the resources below.
Visit Seize the Awkward for tools to recognize when a friend may be struggling and learn how to start a conversation about mental health.
Explore the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) for information about suicide prevention, supporting a friend or family member, finding mental health support, and navigating difficult moments.
Use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to call, text, or chat with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. You can reach out for yourself or if you’re worried about someone else.
RESOURCES
Understanding Loss & Grief in collaboration with Kate’s Club is
a resource to support those who have experienced a loss (of any kind) and the grief that may be associated with it.
Self-Harm & Suicide Prevention is an FYF One-Pager that shares resources, coping activities, & more.
Worried About a Friend?
You don’t have to know exactly what to say. Start by checking in, listening without judgment, and helping your friend connect with a trusted adult or support resource. If you’re worried about their immediate safety, tell a trusted adult or contact 988 for guidance.
CAREGIVERS
Parents and caregivers play an important role in suicide prevention. You don’t need to be a mental health expert to help. Noticing changes, checking in, listening without judgment, and helping a young person find support can make a difference.
There is no single warning sign. Changes such as withdrawal, mood shifts, hopelessness, or talking about suicide are reasons to pause and reach out. If something feels different, trust your instincts and start a conversation.
Many caregivers worry that asking about suicide could “put the idea in someone’s head.” This is a myth. Asking directly about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It can open the door to honest communication and help someone connect with support.
The World Health Organization (WHO), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) support open, direct conversations as part of suicide prevention and early intervention.
You don’t need perfect words or all the answers. Being present, listening, and staying connected matters. Support is available for caregivers, too.
If you are a parent or caregiver looking for guidance or support, the resources below can help you take the next step in supporting a young person in your life.
Explore Strong4Life’s guide to talking with kids about suicide for age-appropriate guidance and conversation scripts to help parents and caregivers talk with children about suicide, starting as early as age 3. The guide also addresses common concerns about having these conversations and offers practical ways to start.
Use 988’s Warning Signs to learn about changes that may signal someone is struggling and when it may be time to reach out for support.
EDUCATORS & PROFESSIONALS
Educators and school professionals are often in a unique position to notice when something changes for a student. Shifts in mood, behavior, attendance, relationships, or engagement can be an opportunity to check in.
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to start a supportive conversation. Listen without judgment, take concerns seriously, and help connect students with appropriate support.
When you’re concerned, find a private moment to check in, share what you’ve noticed without assumptions, and give the student space to respond. If they share that they’re struggling or you’re concerned about their safety, follow your school’s protocols and connect them with a trained professional.
Prevention also happens before a crisis. Creating spaces where students feel seen, connected, and comfortable asking for help is an important part of supporting student well-being.
If you are an educator or school professional looking for immediate guidance or additional tools, explore the resources below to support students and strengthen your response to mental health concerns.
Explore SAMHSA’s Mental Health Resources for Educators for guidance on recognizing when a student may be struggling, knowing when to involve school-based support, and connecting students and families with mental health services.
Use NIMH’s Resources for Students and Educators to find classroom-friendly videos, activities, quizzes, and mental health education materials.
Visit NIMH’s Youth ASQ Toolkit for evidence-based suicide-risk screening and response materials for youth. The ASQ was developed for medical settings, and some materials can also be used in other settings, including school nursing
NOTICE. SPEAK. LISTEN. CONNECT
Notice: Pay attention to meaningful changes in behavior, mood, attendance, relationships, or engagement.
Speak Up: Find a private moment and share what you’ve noticed without judgment. Let them know you care.
Listen judgment-free: Give the young person space to talk. You don’t need to fix the situation or have all the answers.
Connect intentionally: Help them find the right support.
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Friends & Peers: Talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help. You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) carry the concern alone. If you’re worried about your friend’s immediate safety, get an adult involved right away.
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Parents & Caregivers: Help your young person connect with a trusted adult, school support, mental health professional, or crisis resource. Stay connected and continue checking in.
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Educators: Follow your school’s protocol and involve the appropriate counselor, social worker, psychologist, administrator, or other trained professional.
Remember: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat for people experiencing a difficult moment and for those worried about someone else.
Not seeing a resource you need? Email us freeyourfeels@gmail.com and let's work together on creating resources that support the mental health and wellbeing of Georgia’s young people
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
Free Your Feels is not a mental health provider and does not offer crisis services.
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