Recognizing the Warning Signs: How to Support a Loved One at Risk

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging hope for those who may be struggling. At Redemption Wellness Services in Lancaster, PA, we believe in the importance of open conversations about mental health and learning how to recognize when someone you love may be at risk.

Suicide is a difficult and heavy topic, but avoiding it only deepens the silence. By learning to recognize the warning signs and offering compassionate support, you can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Common Warning Signs to Look For

While every person is different, there are some common signals that may indicate someone is at risk:

• Verbal cues: Talking about feeling hopeless, being a burden, or expressing a desire to die.

• Behavioral changes: Withdrawing from friends and activities, giving away belongings, or suddenly engaging in risky behaviors.

• Mood shifts: Increased sadness, irritability, anxiety, or dramatic mood swings.

• Changes in daily habits: Sleeping too much or too little, loss of interest in eating, or lack of motivation for daily responsibilities.

Recognizing these suicide warning signs can be the first step in helping your loved one. At our Lancaster PA trauma therapy practice, we often remind clients that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How to Offer Support

Approaching someone who may be struggling can feel overwhelming, but small steps of care can open the door to hope:

1. Start the conversation. Gently let them know you’ve noticed changes and that you care. Use open, non-judgmental language.

2. Listen without fixing. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to simply listen and validate their feelings.

3. Encourage professional help. Suggest talking to a therapist, counselor, or doctor who can provide proper support. If you’re in Pennsylvania, mental health counseling in Lancaster is available through Redemption Wellness Services.

4. Stay connected. Regular check-ins, even small ones, can remind them they’re not alone.

5. Know when to act quickly. If someone expresses intent to harm themselves, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

   
   

You Are Not Alone

Supporting a loved one at risk can feel heavy, but remember—you don’t have to carry the weight by yourself. Professional support, like therapy for trauma, anxiety, and depression, can guide both you and your loved one through difficult times.

At Redemption Wellness Services, we provide trauma-informed therapy and a safe, compassionate space for healing. Whether you’re navigating grief, trauma, or daily stressors, our team is here to walk with you on the journey toward hope and wholeness.

If you are in immediate crisis, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.