SPOKANE, Wash. — September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when mental health experts emphasize the importance of breaking stigma and recognizing when someone needs help.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched by the Federal Communications Commission in 2022, has become a critical resource for people in crisis.
In Washington, calls to 988 are on the rise. During the first full month of the resource, the state received 5,537 thousand calls. This past July, calls surged to more than 18,000. Mental Health experts say the surge reflects both increased awareness of the service and growing confidence in its ability to help.
“Our numbers continue to go up all the time, and that could be because of the level of awareness is increasing which is fantastic,” said Shelby Whitworth, director of crisis response at Frontier Behavioral Health, which operates the local 988 service in Spokane County.
Frontier Behavioral Health’s crisis response team typically handles around 2,500 calls per month. Whitworth emphasizes that recognizing warning signs and initiating conversations about suicide can be lifesaving.
“If you see something, do something because if you let those go, they are just going to get worse,” Whitworth said.
Mental health professionals say warning signs that someone may be struggling include withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, making statements that suggest hopelessness, isolating from family and friends, and changes in sleep or eating patterns. They stress that having uncomfortable conversations with someone showing these signs is essential.
The 988 Lifeline operates around the clock and emphasizes there is no wrong reason to call. The service connects people with trained counselors who can provide immediate support or help connect callers with additional resources.
People can reach 988 by phone, text, or online chat.
Several community events are happening this week to promote suicide prevention awareness in Spokane. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting a free community training on September 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 152 South Jefferson Street. The training teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, ask the right questions, and connect someone to the help they need.
The Prevent Suicide Spokane Coalition is holding its annual Hope Walk on September 26 at 11 a.m. at Riverfront Park North Bank Shelter. The event focuses on hope, healing, and connection.
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