Thursday, October 1, 2026
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, recognize warning signs and connect people with resources that can help. For Long Beach residents, knowing what to look for, how to respond and where to seek support can make a difference when someone is struggling with their mental health.
1. Recognize the warning signs and potential symptoms
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, warning signs aren’t always easy to notice. Symptoms may include altered sleep patterns, drastic changes in appetite, and an inability to tolerate daily activities and common stressors.
More overt symptoms of suicidal ideation can include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden to others. Someone who is struggling may also withdraw from friends and family, experience extreme mood changes, increase their use of drugs or alcohol, give away possessions or expressing temper tantrums. Not everyone experiencing a mental health crisis will display the same warning signs, which is why significant changes in behavior should be taken seriously.
2. Know where to find reliable resources for help
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling self-harm urges can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. The free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing access to a live counselor to discuss your own thoughts or concerns about a friend or family member.
Residents can also turn to local behavioral health providers and organizations for counseling and crisis intervention. The Nassau County Department of Human Services can provide information about behavioral health resources available locally. If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Individuals with increased substance use can contact Long Island Reach at (516) 889-2332.
3. Know how to help someone struggling
Friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors can play an important role when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. Listen without judgment, take statements about suicide seriously and help the person connect with professional support.
The Long Island Crisis Center will hold its 18th annual “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk” event at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 4, taking over the Long Beach Boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard. The fundraiser and community tradition provides an opportunity for Long Islanders to gather together to break the stigma around discussing mental health. The Michael R. Berube Foundation will be showcased as this year’s Person of the Year honoree.
