09/16/2026
September is Su***de Prevention Month, if you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to 988 via call, text or chat any time, 24/7/365 for help, support or information and links to services.
The Realities of Masking: When someone is masking suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the warning signs can be much subtler than obvious statements such as “I don't want to be here.” A person may appear calm, productive, cheerful, or even better than usual while privately struggling.
Signs to watch for may include the following:
1. Sudden or unusual calmness. Someone who has been visibly distressed suddenly seems unusually peaceful or relieved. They may say things like, “Everything is finally going to be okay.” A dramatic improvement after a period of severe distress can sometimes be concerning, particularly if other signs are present.
2. Giving things away or putting affairs in order. Giving away meaningful possessions. Organizing finances, passwords, paperwork, insurance, or personal belongings. Saying goodbye to people in an unusual or overly final way. Making arrangements that seem like they're preparing for their absence.
3. Subtle statements about death or disappearing, even when presented jokingly or casually:
“People would be better off without me.”
“I won't be around much longer.”
“You'll miss me when I'm gone.”
“I just want everything to stop.”
“I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up.”
“I'm tired of being here.”
4. Withdrawal that doesn't look like depression. Suddenly declining invitations or avoiding people. Becoming less communicative. Stopping activities they normally enjoy. Spending substantially more time alone. Being physically present but emotionally disengaged.
5. Changes in behavior or routine. Giving up responsibilities they normally care about. Decline in work or school performance. Significant changes in sleep or eating. Increased alcohol or drug use. Reckless or unusually risky behavior. Neglecting personal appearance or basic responsibilities.
6. Searching for or discussing su***de-related information. Looking up su***de methods or lethality. Asking unusual questions about medications, weapons, or death. Talking about su***de in an increasingly specific way. Writing notes, messages, or social media posts that sound final or like goodbyes.
7. Masking through excessive positivity - This can be particularly difficult to recognize. Someone may:
Become unusually upbeat. Make jokes constantly. Tell everyone they're “fine.” Appear highly functional at work. Avoid discussing their problems while insisting everything is under control.
8. Statements reflecting hopelessness or being a burden that are particularly important:
“I'm a burden.”
“There's no point anymore.”
“Nothing is going to change.”
“I've ruined everything.”
“Everyone would be better without me.”
“I don't see a way out.”
When someone appears to be okay:
Appearance is not a reliable indicator of su***de risk. Someone can be laughing, working, socializing, and carrying on normal conversations while experiencing serious suicidal thoughts. If you are concerned about someone, ask directly “I'm concerned about you. Have you been thinking about harming yourself or su***de?”
Asking directly does not put the idea in someone's head. It gives them an opportunity to tell you what may otherwise remain hidden.
If they say yes, follow up calmly:
“Are you thinking about su***de?”
“Do you have a plan?”
“Do you have access to what you would use?”
“Have you done anything already to hurt yourself?”
If there is immediate danger, a specific plan, access to lethal means, or an attempt already underway, don't leave the person alone. Call 911 for an immediate emergency or 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call 988 yourself as the concerned person to get guidance about what to do. The National 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available by call, text, and chat 24/7/365.
***deprevention
