September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and an opportunity to highlight some of the resources and services available to support mental health and emotional well-being.

“We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. “When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us.”

One way we can help people who are struggling is to learn to identify the risk factors, recognize the warning signs, and know what resources are available to help people at risk for suicide, including:  

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress 
• Mental Health Benefits and Resources for King County employees 
• Mental Health Accommodations for King County employees 
• Recognize the signs and know the risk factors via National Alliance on Mental Illness 
• Mental Health First Aid Training.

No one should ever have to struggle alone, and we can all help prevent suicide by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, sharing information, and encouraging well-informed actions.