In 2022 alone, over 13 million adults and 3.4 million young people in the US had thoughts of suicide, and more than 1.6 million adults and 953,000 youths attempted suicide. Suicide Prevention Week is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, offering support to those affected by it, and encouraging people to take action to prevent it. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s Suicide Prevention Week?

👉 Official Name: Suicide Prevention Week
💚 Cause: Prevent suicide through awareness, education, and action
📅 Next Date: September 6-12, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://suicidology.org/september/
🐦 Hashtag: #SuicidePreventionWeek #StopSuicide

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about Suicide Prevention Week at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About Suicide Prevention Week at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: Suicide Prevention Week focuses on bringing awareness to the issue of suicide and offering resources to help prevent it. Suicide is a major public health issue, therefore, this week is crucial to encourage individuals and communities to engage in conversations about mental health and take proactive steps to support those at risk. Furthermore, the week underscores the importance of early intervention and the role everyone can play in preventing suicides.

2️⃣ Why it is important: Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14, the 3^rd leading cause for those aged 15-24, and the 12^th leading cause of death overall in the US. With a record-high 50,000 suicides occurring in the US in 2022, the need for comprehensive prevention strategies is urgent. Suicide Prevention Week shines a light on the importance of open dialogue, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to mental health resources.

3️⃣ How You Can Get Involved: You can participate in Suicide Prevention Week by taking steps to support those at risk, advocating for mental health resources, and raising awareness in your community:

• Educate Yourself: Learn the warning signs of suicide, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, or mood swings, and be ready to offer support when needed.
• Check-In on Loved Ones: Simple actions, like reaching out to a friend or family member, can make a big difference in someone’s life, particularly if they are struggling with their mental health.
• Support Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Get involved with organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by participating in local events, such as their annual Out of the Darkness Walks, or donating to support suicide prevention programs.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for Suicide Prevention Week:

• Best Charities that Fight Depression
• Best Charities that Advance Mental Health
• Best Charities for Youth Mental Health
• Best Charities That Support Veterans’ Mental Health
• Best Charities that Fight Against Bullying
• Best Charities that Combat Loneliness 

A Brief History of Suicide Prevention Week

When was this event established: Suicide Prevention Week was first established in 1975 by the American Association of Suicidology to focus national attention on the issue of suicide and encourage collaborative efforts to address it. As awareness and need for education grew, the observance extended to a full month each September to maximize its impact. Every year, the week aligns with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 to further global awareness. 

How has it developed since then: Over the decades, Suicide Prevention Week has grown in scope, with more organizations, schools, and communities participating in suicide prevention efforts. From social media campaigns to community-based events, the week has become a vital tool for spreading awareness and offering support to those in need. Efforts during the week emphasize not only recognizing the warning signs but also promoting resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988), which provides immediate assistance for individuals in crisis.

3 Interesting Facts About Suicide Prevention Week

1. 988 Lifeline Launch: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US, launched in 2005, offers immediate access to crisis support, with over 46,000 calls handled in its first year alone.
2. Vulnerable Populations: Suicide rates vary significantly across different demographics. In the US, Native American and Alaskan Native communities experience the highest suicide rates, while men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Among youth, LGBTQ+ individuals are particularly vulnerable, with higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Additionally, middle-aged adults (45-64) have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other age groups.
3. World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10 is celebrated as World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about suicide prevention and offering resources to help people in crisis.

Upcoming Dates of Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide Prevention Week is observed every year in September.