Changing the Narrative: Suicide Prevention Month 2026

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and this year's global theme, set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and supported by the World Health Organization, is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The idea is simple: silence and misunderstanding do not protect people. Open, compassionate conversation does.

Moving from silence to conversation

Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing to someone we love who seems to be struggling, and that worry often leads to saying nothing at all. Research consistently shows that asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide does not plant the idea or increase risk. It opens a door. For many people, being asked is the first time someone has taken their pain seriously enough to name it out loud.

What changing the narrative looks like in practice

Changing the narrative means treating mental health struggles as a normal, ongoing part of life rather than something to hide until it becomes a crisis. It means recognizing warning signs, like withdrawal, hopelessness, or talking about being a burden, and responding with direct, caring questions instead of silence. It means understanding that reaching out for support, for yourself or someone you love, is a sign of strength.

Meet Our Providers

Radiant Recovery & Counseling's clinical team includes:

Dr. Wendy Chukwuto: a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with nearly a decade of experience across inpatient and outpatient mental health care, providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management. View Profile

TaShara Jones: a clinical counselor with more than a decade of experience across crisis intervention, clinical supervision, and community mental health, working with adolescents, adults, older adults, and families. View Profile

Danny Mitchell: a Pre-Licensed LPCC and one of Minnesota's few Black male therapists, providing telehealth therapy statewide. View Profile