You Matter: Conversations Save Lives
posted by Jill Barr on Monday, September 22, 2025
September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to pause, raise awareness, and remind one another that help and hope are always available. At Spencer Hospital, in partnership with Clay County LINC (Local Initiative for Networking & Collaboration), we believe it’s important to bring people together for these conversations and to remind our community that suicide is preventable.
Why Suicide Prevention Month matters
Suicide touches families, friends, neighbors and coworkers – and in rural communities, it can affect farmers and their families in unique ways. Farmers in particular face unique stresses that can make them especially vulnerable. Taking time in September to talk about suicide gives us all permission to open up, learn the warning signs, and most importantly remind people that they matter.
Signs to watch for
Not everyone shows the same signals, but some of the most common warning signs include:
- Withdrawing from friends, family or usual activities
- Dramatic changes in mood or behavior
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye to loved ones
- Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
- Direct statements about wanting to die
Sometimes the signs are subtle – and if your gut says something isn’t right, trust it.
How to start the conversation
Don’t wait and be the one to ask. We know it can feel hard to start, but you don’t need perfect words. Listen to them compassionately and without judgment and offer to connect them with ongoing support. Remind them that they are not alone. Help reduce access to potentially lethal items and plan to follow up. If their life is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.
988 is for everyone
For support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for your family, your friends, or yourself – call or text 988 or use the online chat at 988lifeline.org. People using the 988 Lifeline are not required to provide any payment or insurance information to receive support. Trained counselors are ready to listen, support, and guide people through life’s challenging times. Veterans, Service Members, and their families can call 988 and press 1 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.
What we’re doing locally
At Clay County LINC, we work with schools, healthcare providers, and community groups to spread awareness, build relationships, connect resources, and reduce stigma around behavioral health. Together, we want to nurture hope, health, and wellness through community collaboration, for people to be aware of services provided close to home, and to feel safe talking about behavioral health just like any other health concern.
What we want you to remember
You matter. Your life matters. If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re worried about someone, start the conversation – it could save a life. Remember, help is always available by calling or texting 988.
- behavioral health
- wellness