September signals the beginning of the fall season, but is also recognized as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and Self-Improvement Month. These two seemingly unrelated observances actually align just right for this time of year, in the way that they both encourage reflection on what can be shed to make room for new growth to come in.

Awareness alone isn’t enough, though. Intentional action and conscious choice must follow in order to improve how we care for our own minds, bodies, and spirits, as well as how we can do so for others. This begins with understanding the reality of what we are facing, and being honest with ourselves about what we are willing to do about it.

REALITY CHECK: Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide worldwide. In the United States alone, suicide is among the leading causes of death, claiming over 49,000 lives in 2022. Behind each number is a person—someone’s mother, father, friend, child, or colleague—who felt their pain was too heavy to carry another day.

Suicide often grows from a mix of factors, like unresolved trauma, loss of purpose, social isolation or exclusion, low self-worth, or overwhelming stress. Many people who are struggling suffer in silence because of stigma, shame, or the belief that no one will understand; and many take their lives because they just don't want to hurt anymore.

That’s why awareness is so critical. It allows us to see the signs—withdrawal, sudden changes in mood or behavior, feelings of hopelessness, or even giving away possessions—and respond with compassion instead of judgment. When we are aware, we can step in with a question as simple as:

“I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. Do you want to talk?” OR "What brings you the most joy? Would you be open to sharing that experience with me sometime?"

Sometimes, that slight opening is exactly what that person needed to feel seen. It's also a reminder that they do matter just as much as the joys and passions they've dismissed.

You see, so many of us carry stress, suppress emotions, or live disconnected from what truly fulfills us. Over time, that disconnection from our passions and joys separates us from ourselves. We begin to see life as something that happens to us instead of something we create.

This is where self-improvement comes in. It’s about building a life worth living.

I've been known to say, "Life is meant to be loved, not just lived." To create a life we love makes space for the fulfillment we often miss out on, and the lack mindset that leads to suicidal ideation.

So, how can we strengthen the foundation that helps us weather life’s storms?

• Mindfulness and Awareness: Taking time to journal, meditate, or simply check in with yourself can help you notice when your mental state is slipping before it becomes a crisis.

• Healthy Boundaries: Saying “no” to people and tasks that drain you and “yes” to what nourishes and protects your energy and builds self-respect.

• Connection: Joining a support group, rekindling friendships, or finding community in safe spaces reminds us we are not alone.

• Professional Help: Therapy isn't just for crises—it's a tool for growth, self-discovery, and healing. There are so many different modalities for self-expression, too. So, if talk therapy isn't for you, try goat yoga, music or writing therapy, or somatic dancing!

Every small step is progress. So, I invite you to take two intentional steps today—one outward, one inward:

1. Reach Out: Identify one person in your life who might be struggling. Send them a message, invite them for coffee, or simply let them know you’re thinking of them. You don’t need the perfect words; your presence is often enough.

2. Rise Up: Choose one area of self-improvement to focus on for the month. Maybe it’s committing to a daily gratitude practice, signing up for therapy, or even just making sleep a priority. Small, consistent actions create lasting change.

When we combine awareness with action, we begin to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities. Each conversation, each act of kindness, and each step toward our own healing contributes to a culture where fewer people fall through the cracks.

💕If you are reading this and find yourself struggling, however, please hear this: You are not alone, and your story isn’t over. There is no shame in pain, and there is no weakness in asking for help. Reaching out could be the bravest and strongest decision you’ll ever make.

➡️And if you know someone who is hurting, don’t wait. Don’t assume someone else will step in. Err on the side of caution and step in yourself. Let this month remind us all: awareness without action changes nothing, but awareness with compassion can save lives, including your own.

Resources:

📞988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

💜For the full story, I encourage you to read Dana’s article on Substack and, if you haven’t already, download the first two chapters of Gasping for Air for free at danasdiaz.com.