September 2025: Spreading Awareness and Hope
Since losing Brian to suicide in 2011, I’ve been advocating, promoting, and talking about suicide prevention anywhere and everywhere. Espeically during September which is National Suicide Awareness Month. I’ve educated myself and now I teach others on the warning signs and risk factors of mental health and suicide. At every training session I always say, “If I knew then what I know now, maybe my life would be different.”
I didn’t know the signs of someone struggling with their mental health or how to even talk about it? Brian didn’t have the language to share about his pain and I didn’t have the knowledge or understanding about how much he was struggling.
Here are a few things you can do this September to raise awareness for suicide:
- Pause and listen to someone when they tell you about their day.
- Learn about suicide prevention from AFSP.org or SERACCT.org.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis.
- Participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk. Info and registration for our local walk at AFSP.org/Niantic.
988 is a tremendous resource. It is available any time of day or night, whether there is an immediate crisis or if you need to speak with someone who is trained to help you decide what to do next.
I want to personally invite you to three important events happening this month:
Navigating Suicide Grief Virtual Talk (Monday 9/15): I will share my story of loss, healing, and hope and offer light into the darkness for so many who are struggling with the tragedy of losing a loved one to suicide. THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT.
Understanding Your Grief (Monday 9/29):Led by grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt, this compassionate program will acknowledge that loss is an unavoidable part of human life, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from living well. The content of this evening program is based on Dr. Wolfelt’s book, First Aid for Broken Hearts.
The Art of “Companioning” the Bereaved (Tuesday 9/30): This workshop offers professional-level training accessible to anyone who companions the bereaved. Anchored in Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s “companioning” model of grief care, you’ll recognize how grief and mourning are normal and necessary experiences that are fundamentally a journey of the heart and soul. Registration ends 9/12. Sign up now at brianshealinghearts.org/Wolfelt
I hope you’ll join me this month in building awareness to prevent future suicides and honor the survivors left behind.
With love and hope,
Ann Dagle
President
Brian Dagle Foundation