For many families, suicide prevention can feel like a subject that belongs somewhere else — until a friend, neighbor, teenager, coworker or loved one begins struggling.

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed each year on September 10, is intended to bring those conversations into the open and remind communities that help is available. This year’s international theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” encourages people to move away from silence and stigma and toward conversations built around understanding, support and prevention.

For residents of The 1463 and communities across Fort Bend County, that message comes with practical local resources as well. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team works alongside mental health providers to respond to people experiencing behavioral health crises and help connect them with appropriate care.

The Numbers Show Why Suicide Prevention Matters

The latest finalized national figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the scale of the issue.

In 2024, 48,824 people in the United States died by suicide. During the same year, an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan and 2.2 million attempted suicide, according to the CDC. Suicide was also the nation’s 10th-leading cause of death in 2024.

Those statistics represent people from every kind of community — parents, children, spouses, friends, veterans, first responders, students and coworkers. The CDC notes that suicide affects people of all ages and can have lasting effects on families and entire communities.

For neighbors in The 1463, suicide prevention does not require becoming a mental health expert. It can begin with recognizing when someone may be struggling and knowing how to respond.

Suicide Warning Signs Families Should Know

Warning signs can look different from person to person, and not everyone considering suicide will display the same behaviors. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline advises paying particular attention when changes are new, increasing or connected to a painful event, loss or major life change.

Warning signs may include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness or saying there is no reason to live; describing feeling trapped, unbearable emotional pain or like a burden to others; withdrawing from family or friends; increasing alcohol or drug use; behaving recklessly or becoming unusually anxious or agitated; sleeping significantly more or less than usual; showing extreme mood swings; or expressing intense anger or rage.

The CDC similarly identifies withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness or unbearable pain, increased substance use and statements about being a burden as possible warning signs.

A noticeable change does not automatically mean someone is suicidal, but it can be a reason to check in rather than assume everything is fine.

Starting the Conversation Can Matter

One of the goals of World Suicide Prevention Day is to make conversations about suicide and mental health less difficult to begin.

The World Health Organization’s 2026 campaign specifically calls on communities to “Start the Conversation,” with the goal of reducing stigma and creating environments where people feel more comfortable speaking up and seeking help.

Sometimes that conversation can be as simple as noticing that someone has not seemed like themselves and asking how they are doing.

Listening without judgment, taking concerns seriously and helping someone connect with professional support can be important steps. The CDC emphasizes that social connection and access to health care can serve as protective factors against suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Fort Bend County Crisis Intervention Team Offers Local Support

Fort Bend County residents also have a specialized local resource through the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT.

The team consists of specially trained officers who assist people experiencing mental health crises, work with local behavioral health providers and help connect individuals with appropriate services. The county says the program is designed, when circumstances allow, to divert people experiencing mental health crises away from incarceration or unnecessary emergency-room visits and toward treatment and support.

CIT works with organizations including Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services and Texana Center, and the county says follow-up checks may also be conducted when necessary to help prevent another crisis and support recovery.

That local partnership gives The 1463 families another place to turn when they are worried about someone and are unsure what kind of help is needed.

For a mental health emergency or when someone poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, residents should call 911 and ask for a CIT officer. For non-emergency mental health concerns requiring Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office assistance, residents may call 281-341-4665. 

The county’s Mental Health Resource Guide also includes local crisis services, behavioral health providers and other assistance available to Fort Bend County residents. 

Help Is Available 24 Hours a Day Through 988

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or a mental health crisis — or anyone worried about somebody else — can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The service connects callers and texters with trained crisis counselors. Online chat assistance is also available through the 988 Lifeline website.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

When there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

Suicide prevention is not limited to one awareness day. For families across Fort Bend County, it can mean knowing the warning signs, checking on someone who seems different, taking concerning statements seriously and knowing where professional help can be found.

For additional community resources, public safety information and Fort Bend County updates affecting The 1463, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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