September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
Key dates during the month of September include 988 day on September 8 (a day of action highlighting the crisis lifeline), World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 (a global observance to focus prevention efforts), and National Suicide Prevention Week from September 8 to 14 (focused on education and warning signs).
For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free, confidential, and available 24/7). Or chat online. Visit 988 Lifeline to chat live.
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🗞 In The News
Credit: NY Times
🗞 HHS Awards More Than $380 Million to Strengthen America’s Behavioral Health System on 988 Day. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and SAMHSA have announced over $383 million in grants to strengthen behavioral health systems nationwide. A critical $252 million chunk of this funding is directly dedicated to boosting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention initiatives, and local mobile crisis teams. Remaining funds will expand substance use treatment and community mental health services, ensuring higher quality care across diverse populations. Read more at SAMHSA.org.
🗞 Suicide-Related ER Visits In Children Rise, But Many Hospitals Lack Specialized Mental Health Care. A recent study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine reveals a 74% increase in children's suicide-related emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022, with approximately half occurring at smaller local hospitals lacking specialized mental health resources. Healthcare advocates are responding by pushing for specialized staff training, universal screenings, and expanded telehealth options across all emergency facilities. Read more at US News and World Report
🗞 Alanis Morissette Pictured ‘Death and Terrible Things’ During Height of Postpartum Depression. Alanis Morissette is opening up about the serious reality of postpartum depression, describing how intensely her mental health struggles affected her after the births of her three children. She said the condition became more difficult with each pregnancy and that even while receiving professional support, she experienced overwhelming and frightening thoughts and eventually a period of psychosis. Read more at Entertainment Weekly
🗞 Psychology Says September Is the Best Month to Start a New Habit. Here’s How to Make Yours Stick. September can feel like a natural “reset button” because of the psychological fresh start effect—the tendency to pursue goals when we reach meaningful time markers like a new month, birthday, or school year. This article argues that starting is only half the battle: habits are more likely to last when they’re visible to others, connected to an existing routine, distinctive enough to be memorable, and planned for the inevitable days when motivation disappears. Read more at Inc.com
💬 Stats and Facts
🆘 Help for All
Mental Health: In Crisis? Call or Text 988
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press ‘1’ or Text 838255
Youth Helpline: 2NDFLOOR - (888) 222-2228
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Addiction: Start Your Recovery - (800) 662-4357
🎒 Back To School
Credit: NY Times
Should Kids Have Mental Health Days? According to a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, children can benefit from occasional mental health days when feeling overwhelmed by school and family stressors. Instead of using the time for social media or television, these days should focus on rest, open communication, and joyful activities to help kids recharge. However, the approach requires caution, as repeated days off can increase anxiety and impair functioning for children who are actively avoiding school. Read More at Cleveland Clinic
🎓 Mental Health Careers
Question: I am interested in mental health related roles that have exposure to medication management. Which mental health roles or career paths would allow me to prescribe medicine?
Answer: The primary mental health career paths that allow you to prescribe medication are psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, and primary care medical providers.
Psychiatrists (MD or DO): Licensed medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They complete medical school and a psychiatric residency, giving them full authority to diagnose and treat conditions with medication.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs): Advanced practice registered nurses with a master's or doctoral degree. They specialize in mental health assessment, therapy, and prescribing medications.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): General medical doctors and trained physician assistants can prescribe basic psychiatric medications for common conditions like anxiety and depression.
Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs): Clinical pharmacists work in medical teams and can manage or prescribe psychiatric drugs in specific collaborative settings.
Prescribing Psychologists: Standard psychologists cannot prescribe medication. However, a small number of U.S. states grant limited prescription authority to psychologists who complete specialized post-doctoral master's training in psychopharmacology.
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