Breathing Through the Darkness: Bringing Empathy, Validation, and Hope to Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering hope, and encouraging open conversations about one of the most urgent mental health challenges of our time — suicide. This month is not just about statistics or events; it is about every life, every story, and every community touched by loss or struggle. At its heart is a call for empathy, compassion, and attentive listening — a reminder that one honest conversation can be the turning point in someone’s life.

What Is Suicide Prevention Month?

Suicide Prevention Month is observed every September to rally communities, organizations, and individuals worldwide to support those affected by suicide, and to promote lifesaving resources. The 2025 theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” emphasizes breaking the silence and stigma that too often surround mental health struggles. It is about shifting from misunderstanding to openness, fostering environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help. Each year, more than 720,000 lives are lost to suicide globally, but every single life matters, and each act of kindness and understanding can make a difference.

The Importance of Empathy and Compassion

Suicide prevention is rooted in empathy — listening without judgment, validating feelings, and offering support. So often, people facing overwhelming emotional pain feel isolated by shame or fear that their struggles are “too much” for others to bear. This isolation can deepen despair. By reaching out, expressing that others’ feelings are real and important, and making space for authentic conversation, communities can create lifelines of hope. Compassion means recognizing that everyone has invisible battles, and choosing to be the shoulder someone can lean on when life feels too heavy.

Airway Health, Youth, and Mental Health

A less-discussed but crucial link exists between airway health and mental well-being, especially in children and adolescents. Undiagnosed airway issues — such as sleep-disordered breathing, airway obstruction, or chronic respiratory symptoms — can take a significant mental and emotional toll. Studies have shown that children and teens with airway problems often experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges, sometimes misdiagnosed or dismissed as other disorders.

For example, nearly 1 in 5 youth (about 18%) aged 12–17 have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. And, recent data show a troubling increase in suicide rates among younger children, with preteen suicides (ages 8–12) rising by approximately 8% annually since 2008. Black preteens currently have the highest overall suicide rate, while Hispanic and female preteens are experiencing the fastest rate of increase. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for age-appropriate, culturally responsive prevention and support efforts.

Though mental health has many causes, poor sleep quality and chronic breathlessness — both symptoms of undiagnosed airway disorders — are significant contributors to mood swings, fatigue, academic challenges, and even hopelessness. These symptoms are not “just emotional;” they are whole-body experiences. Conversely, research shows that depression in youth is linked to increased respiratory symptoms in early adulthood, and children with airway challenges struggle emotionally as they face misunderstood and often invalidated symptoms.

Be There for Each Other

Suicide Prevention Month is a call to action, not just for this month, but every day. Make a habit of checking in with those around you, asking how they really are — and being ready to truly listen. Parents, especially, recognize the warning signs: mood swings, withdrawal, hopelessness, reckless behavior — or even subtle changes in sleep or breathing. Respond with kindness and never underestimate the power of presence, validation, and support.

Let us be a community that shows relentless compassion, that listens deeply, and that acknowledges the struggles that others face — even if they cannot be seen. In moments of darkness, let kindness and empathy be the light that reminds someone they are never truly alone. Lives can be saved by being willing to stand alongside one another, through every breath and every struggle — every single day.

To anyone reading who may be struggling… Your story matters. There is hope, and there are people who want to walk this path with you. Don’t hesitate to reach out — because you are not alone, and help is always within reach. Healing begins when you ask for help.

Some resources you can access right now include:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for confidential, free support 24/7.

• WA Warm Line (Peer Support): 1-866-427-4747 for mental health and emotional challenges.

• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 for immediate connection with a counselor.