September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time of awareness that deeply matters to me. As someone who works with Stop Soldier Suicide, this mission is especially close to my heart. But even beyond the veteran community, suicide and mental health struggles affect countless lives. In my previous career as a police officer, I responded to many calls involving suicide and mental health crises, which gave me a deeper understanding of these issues, their complexities and the need to fight for effective prevention efforts.
Talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable and many would rather avoid it. But this month gives us a reason — and almost a little “permission” — to start those hard conversations. And when we do, we chip away at stigma and open doors for people to feel less alone. Sometimes those conversations can even save a life.
I look around and see people who feel weighed down, discouraged, even hopeless. That is actually one of the major reasons I wrote my book – I see people hungry for encouragement and affirmation. The brokenness of our world is real, and it prompts me to continue to think about my response to all of this. In fact, it it recently led to focus a “Hometown Motivations” segment on this topic with my friends at WDBJ7.
I may not have the power to fix everything, but I do have the chance to show up intentionally in the lives of others with a goal of encouraging, supporting and making them feel seen. Sometimes that means offering a listening ear, a kind word, or a reminder that they aren’t alone.
Maybe, just maybe, my small acts of light – and your small acts of light – can help push back against someone else’s darkness.
Connection is Critical
There is no denying that a sense of belonging is a big deal. I’m sure many of us can anecdotally affirm this. Recently though, I learned that in 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General put out a big report on loneliness, and the takeaway was shocking: being extremely lonely can impact your health. In one portion of the report it says that extreme loneliness is as detrimental as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s how serious disconnection can be.
The good news? Connection protects us.
Feeling like we belong, like we’re cared for and understood — those things are powerful for our mental health and for living lives with joy and vitality. This means each of us can play a role in the positive mental health of others just by being intentional about connection. There is also Biblical support for this:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. Proverbs 27:17
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up”. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” Hebrews 10:24 – 25
Scripture and science both affirm that connection is life-giving. Since we know this is true, the important question is: how can each of us be more intentional about leaning into connection in our daily lives?
Intentionally Cultivating Connections
Parents, you have such an important role. Look for ways to help your kids build positive, healthy connections — whether it’s joining a sports team, a school club, or a youth group. Don’t underestimate the power of little things at home, like eating dinner together more often or setting aside time to really talk and really listen. Consider going for a walk with them to promote overall wellness, quality time, and to get fresh air. Play a game after dinner or develop a family playlist together. Find reasons to engage with your kids that show them they matter. Those small moments of connection make a big difference. You can’t control all that may transpire in the world around them but you most certainly can cultivate a safe and supportive home life.
Don’t forget: just as you’re helping your kids, you need connection too. Adults can feel lonely just as easily, and it matters that we put in the effort to find community — whether that’s through volunteering, church engagement, or simply reaching out to friends. We must put our phones down, get out from behind screens, and not let technology-based connections serve as a substitute for rich and meaningful engagement with others. If you feel isolated, I want to encourage you to tenaciously push back on the feeling by seeking connection with others.
Since so much of our time is spent at work, our workplaces become a natural places to build meaningful connections. Whether it’s sharing lunch, checking in on a teammate, or celebrating each other’s wins, those everyday moments can create a culture that feels positive, encouraging, and supportive. When we’re intentional about cultivating these kinds of connections with the people we work alongside, it doesn’t just make the day more enjoyable — it can also be protective for our mental health. A caring workplace can be one of the strongest buffers against loneliness and stress.
If you’re feeling lonely
If you’re reading this and feeling lonely or isolated, I want to pause here and say: you’re not alone. It’s something most of us go through at some point. Even if it feels that way right now, people do care, and there are safe places to reach out. If you’re struggling and don’t know who to talk to, please call 988. You’ll connect with someone who’s ready to listen and walk with you through this.
A little challenge for all of us
This Suicide Prevention Month, I want to challenge you to do one simple thing: reach out. Send a text to someone you’ve been meaning to check on. Ask a friend how they’re really doing. Invite someone for coffee.It doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes the smallest act of connection can mean the world to someone who’s struggling. And together, those small steps can help save lives.
